South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed profound grief following the death of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, who passed away at 25 weeks after playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Profound Shock and a Heavy Heart”
In an official statement shared on social media on Saturday, July 11, McKenzie said:
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25. South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international”.
He described Adams as a player who carried “the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction” at the World Cup.
Played Through Grief at the World Cup
McKenzie revealed a heartbreaking detail about Adams’ tournament. Just hours before Bafana’s Group A match against the Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18, Adams’ grandmother Marianna Adams passed away at age 72 in a Stellenbosch hospital.
Despite the loss, Adams started the match and was substituted at halftime.
“I recall noting how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench in the second half… it was only afterwards that we learnt he had taken to the field that day carrying the fresh grief of losing his grandmother”.
McKenzie said Adams’ decision to wear the national jersey in that moment showed “a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years”.
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Call for Privacy and Restraint
With the cause of death not yet confirmed, McKenzie appealed to the public and media:
“I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time”.
A Nation in Mourning
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group stage games at the 2026 World Cup, helping Bafana reach the knockout rounds for the first time. At club level he had just helped Mamelodi Sundowns win the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.
Tributes have poured in from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the South African Football Players Union, Stellenbosch FC and teammates.
Adams is survived by his family, teammates, and millions of fans who watched him rise from the Stellenbosch academy to the World Cup stage.
May his soul rest in peace.