South Africa is mourning the death of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, with tributes pouring in from President Cyril Ramaphosa, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and the country's football fraternity.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed the death of the 25-year-old footballer on Saturday.
Adams began his professional football career at Stellenbosch FC, where he became the club's first academy graduate to sign a professional contract in 2020.
He joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2025 and helped the club secure the Betway Premiership title during his time there.
Internationally, Adams was a key member of the Bafana Bafana squad and recently featured in all three of South Africa's 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage matches, helping the national team qualify for the Round of 32 for the first time.
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture also highlighted Adams' determination and commitment, noting that he played in South Africa's match against Czechia just hours after learning of the death of his grandmother.
Department spokesperson Stacey-Lee Khojane said Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie was deeply saddened by the footballer's passing.
"The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has expressed his profound sadness at the passing of Adams. The minister says South Africa has lost one of its brightest young football talents. Jayden's journey was an inspiring one."
Khojane said the minister extended his condolences to Adams' family, including his young daughter, as well as his teammates, the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the wider football community.
She also appealed to the public and media to respect the family's privacy during this difficult time and to refrain from speculation.
Mamelodi Sundowns described Adams' death as a devastating loss, paying tribute to the midfielder's talent and contribution to the club.
President Cyril Ramaphosa also conveyed his condolences, describing Adams' passing as a tragic loss for South African football.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the president's thoughts were with Adams' family, friends, teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, and the broader football fraternity as they mourn the loss of one of the country's promising young stars.