South African Football Mourns Passing Of Mamelodi Sundowns Midfielder
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie has joined millions of South Africans in expressing their sorrow following the death of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.
The circumstances surrounding Adams’ death have not been officially confirmed. Reports have suggested that he died by suicide, but neither the club nor the player’s family has confirmed those claims.
The tragedy comes just weeks after Adams suffered another devastating loss when his grandmother, Marianna, passed away while he was on national duty with Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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.
Jayden’s football journey began at Stellenbosch FC, where he came through the club’s academy to become its first graduate to sign a professional contract, in August 2020. He went on to make 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands club, helping them lift the 2023 Carling Knockout, before completing his move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
In Pretoria, he continued to flourish, adding a Betway Premiership title and a CAF Champions League crown to his honours within two years.
On the international stage, Jayden was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that claimed bronze at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, and he earned his place in Hugo Broos’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all three of South Africa’s group matches as the team made history by reaching the Round of 32 for the first time.
I will always remember watching Bafana’s match against Czechia in Atlanta.
I recall noting how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench in the second half, after he had been substituted – it was only afterwards that we learnt he had taken to the field that day carrying the fresh grief of losing his grandmother, Marianna, who had passed away only hours before kick-off.
When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me. That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost.
The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and 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. Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course.On behalf of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, I extend my deepest condolences to Jayden’s family, his young daughter, his teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns, his fellow Bafana Bafana players and coaching staff, the South African Football Association, and the entire football fraternity.
Adams, who joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Stellenbosch during the second half of the 2024/25 season, won both the Betway Premiership title and the CAF Champions League with Masandawana, with the latter coming last season.
Before his move to Sundowns, he helped Stellenbosch lift the Carling Knockout trophy during the 2023/24 season.
During his time with Stellies, Adams made 139 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists.
He went on to make 67 appearances for Sundowns, scoring six goals and registering three assists.
