Midfielder Jayden Adams, who represented South Africa at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, died on Saturday at the age of 25.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said in a statement.
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents.”
The minister did not disclose a cause of death.
SAPS opened an investigation
Police said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof in Bo-Kaap on Saturday morning.
“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk told AFP.
READ | Jayden Adams death: What SAPS has confirmed
Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at FIFA World Cup 2026, but did not feature in the knockout defeat by Canada.
Lost his grandmother
Born in Cape Town, he began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before joining CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
His death comes less than a month after the passing of his grandmother, on the eve of South Africa’s Group A match against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium.
“Jayden started in the match against Czechia and gave his all while carrying the burden of losing his grandmother,” the South African Football Association said at the time.