Tributes continue to pour in following the sudden death of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, who died at the age of 25.

The cause of Adams’ death has not yet been confirmed. Police have opened an inquest docket for investigation after the body of Adams was found at a house in Schotschekloof, in Cape Town, on Saturday morning.

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie described the news as a devastating loss for South African football, saying the country had lost one of its brightest young talents.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said.

“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.”

McKenzie reflected on Adams’ rapid rise through the ranks of South African football. After progressing through Stellenbosch FC’s academy, Adams became the club’s first academy graduate to sign a professional contract in 2020. He made 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands side, helped them lift the Carling Knockout in 2023, and joined Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.

At Sundowns, Adams added a Betway Premiership title and a CAF Champions League winners’ medal to his growing list of achievements.

Internationally, he represented South Africa at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Bafana Bafana claimed bronze, before featuring in all three of the team’s group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as South Africa reached the knockout stages for the first time.

McKenzie also shared a personal memory from the World Cup, recalling Adams’ professionalism after learning that his grandmother had died just hours before South Africa’s match against Czechia.

“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,” he said.

The minister appealed to the public and media to avoid speculation about the cause of Adams’ death and to allow his family the privacy to grieve.

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport also expressed its condolences, describing Adams as a talented footballer whose career had been cut tragically short.

Head of Department Guy Redman said Adams had “a bright future ahead” and had become a role model for aspiring footballers.

“His death is a sad moment for the football fraternity, as well as for the broader sporting community across our country. Jayden had so much to give to his sport. His path was tragically cut short, and we are shocked at his sudden passing,” Redman said.

World football’s governing body, FIFA, also paid tribute to the midfielder, who earned nine caps for Bafana Bafana, including three appearances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he was deeply saddened by the news.

“It’s so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign.

“My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”

The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) described Adams’ death as an immeasurable loss.

“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction.

“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.”

Adams is survived by his family, including his young daughter.