On Saturday, July 11, the death of midfielder of the South African national team “Bafana Bafana” and Mamelodi Sundowns, Jayden Adams, was announced after he took his own life at his home in Stellenbosch.
Local sources did not reveal the player’s motive but stated that the incident comes just days after Adams returned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after the South African team he participated with was eliminated in the tournament.
The 25-year-old player had mourned his grandmother, Mariana Adams (72 years old), two weeks prior, who passed away one day before the Bafana Bafana match against the Czech Republic at the Atlanta stadium.
Mamelodi Sundowns refused to confirm or deny, calling for respect for the family’s privacy at this difficult time. Brenden Johnson, Adams’ guide and family spokesperson, stated in an emotional remark to “Social Laduma”: “At this moment, things are still very fresh… the family does not wish to communicate with anyone now. This departure has torn everyone apart. He just returned from the World Cup, then this news came… I was talking to him on Thursday, and he was very positive, talking about returning and achieving his goals after winning the African Cup, and he was ready for what was to come. He wasn’t wasting his time and was spending his days with his family.”
Johnson added: “I find no words right now, but we ask for respect for the family’s privacy. Yes, I can say he has passed away. No one expected this.” Jayden Adams had emerged as a promising talent in South African football with Stellenbosch FC before securing a place in the lineup of Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team.
