ISTANBUL / Ahmed Hassan / AA

South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just days after playing for his country in the World Cup.

South African police announced they have launched an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found in a house in Schotsche Kloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning, and are looking into the circumstances of the incident.

South African newspaper Sunday World published a statement by Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, in which he said: "With deep shock and a heavy heart, I received the news of the death of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25."

Minister McKenzie continued: "South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, teammates, and millions of fans who watched him grow from a promising academy player to a full international for Bafana Bafana."

He added: "I will always remember watching the Bafana Bafana match against Czech Republic in Atlanta. I recall noticing the unusual calmness of Jayden on the bench in the second half after being substituted."

McKenzie went on: "Only later did we learn that he took the field that day carrying fresh grief over the loss of his grandmother Mariana, who had passed away just hours before kickoff."

He continued: "When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I will forever treasure his humble and appreciative response, when he said he chose to wear the national team jersey and give his best. That moment reflects a depth of character and professionalism far beyond his years, and embodies the value of the young man that South Africa has lost."

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences via his Instagram account, saying: "It is deeply saddening to hear of the passing of South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, just weeks after he took part in his country's historic World Cup campaign."

Infantino added: "I extend my heartfelt condolences and sympathy, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, to his family, friends, and teammates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace."

Adams began his career at Stellenbosch FC before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won the league title and the CAF Champions League.

He was part of the South Africa squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations before being called up to Hugo Broos' World Cup squad, where the team made history by reaching the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time.

Adams played in all three of South Africa's group stage matches in the tournament, with the team reaching the knockout stages before losing to co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.