Jayden Adams, the 25-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns international and a member of South Africa’s 2026 World Cup squad, died on Saturday 11 July. According to the first information, it would be a suicide.
According to the information published in the local press, the midfielder would have died on Saturday morning, at his home in Stellenbosch, and the first hypotheses of the investigators indicate a possible suicide. Several sources claim that the footballer would have faced depression.
Adams’ death came just days after returning from the final North American tour, where he represented South Africa in three group stage matches.
The information was confirmed by his mentor, Brendine Johnson, who said the player’s family was devastated and asked for their privacy.
“At the moment, everything is still very painful. The family does not want to be contacted now, they would not be able to answer to anyone. This loss has devastated everyone. He had just come back from the World Cup and then this news came. I spoke to him on Thursday, he was very optimistic about coming back, that he was coming back after the World Cup.”
Johnson said, according to soccerladuma.co.za.
Adams played in the 2026 World Cup
Jayden Adams was called up to South Africa’s 2026 World Cup squad and featured in all three of their group stage matches.
The midfielder played 61 minutes in the 0-2 loss to Mexico, started in the first half of the 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic, and came on in the 1-0 win over South Korea.
In the round of 16 match, lost by South Africa to Canada, 0-1, Adams remained on the bench.
The South African national team’s last match at the final tournament was played on June 28, about two weeks before the tragic news.
