Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: FIFA World Cup, Ramaphosa lead tributes for departed Jayden Adams

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Mamelodi Sundowns News Today: FIFA World Cup, Ramaphosa lead tributes for departed Jayden Adams
Trbutes for Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.

The world continues to mourn the sudden demise of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams who died on Saturday.

 

The 25-year-old passed away just weeks after playing a key role for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 World Cup and had won the CAF Champions League with Sundowns in May before linking up with the national team.

The former Stellenbosch FC star’s death has sent shockwaves across the globe and the world has united in mourning his death.

President Ramaphosa mourns Adams

President Cyril Ramaphosa led the tributes following the death of the Cape Town-born star.

Jayden Adams, Bafana Bafana - Image: IMAGO
Jayden Adams, Bafana Bafana – Image: IMAGO

“It is particularly tragic that we are suffering the loss of two outstanding young athletes at a time when our nation continues to immerse itself in the FIFA World Cup tournament, as well as the Springboks’ and Springbok Women’s matches against Scotland and the USA Eagles in Pretoria today,” Ramaphosa said via a statement on Saturday.

“We are grateful for the joy and victories Jayden and Luqobo have given us and their teams as they lived their dreams and held South Africa’s name high on the scoreboards of global sport. May their souls rest in peace.”

World and Infantino pay tributes

Jayden Adams tribute at the World Cup

At the World Cup, a minute of silence was observed in memory of Adams before the quarter-final matches pitting England and Norway and the final one between Argentina and Switzerland.

This came moments after FIFA president Gianni Infantino had paid glowing tributes to the midfielder.

“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,” Infantino wrote.

“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.”

Mamelodi Sundowns confirm midfielder’s death

In South Africa, the PSL united after Sundowns confirmed the untimely demise of one of their key players.

“It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams,” Sundowns said via a statement on social media.

“The Chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of Jayden.

“We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends and everyone that knew him. Sundowns respectfully ask that the family’s privacy be honoured as they grieve this profound loss.”

Stellies highlights Adam’s rich legacy

Jayden Adams Stellies tribute

Stellenbosch FC, who honed the skills of the midfielder, showered praise on one of the most talented players to come through their ranks.

“A prodigious footballer, he made his professional debut for Stellenbosch FC at the age of 19 and went on to make 139 senior appearances, helping the Maroons lift the Carling Knockout trophy in 2023,” Stellies said via a statement on their website.

“After joining Sundowns in 2025, Jayden continued to showcase his immense talent, and he recently represented South Africa at the highest level at the FIFA World Cup in North America.

“A proud flagbearer for the Cape Winelands, Jayden leaves behind a lasting legacy in Stellenbosch and an enduring impact on South African football. He will be deeply missed, and never forgotten.”

Chiefs and Pirates lead PSL tributes

Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates led the rest of the PSL in mourning Adams.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Adams family and the Mamelodi Sundowns family on the passing of Jayden Adams. Our thoughts are with his friends, teammates at club and national level during this difficult time. We pray for strength and healing. May Jayden’s soul rest in peace,” Chiefs posted on social media.

Pirates wrote: “@orlandopirates extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of Jayden Adams during this difficult time. Our thoughts are also with his teammates, coaches, and everyone at  @Masandawana, as well as the entire @BafanaBafana family, as they mourn this tragic loss. May his soul rest in peace. #JaydenAdams.”

Adams had made 139 appearances for Stellenbosch, scoring nine goals and providing 10 assists, before moving to Sundowns in January 2025, where he featured 67 times and won the PSL and CAF Champions League, having contributed six goals and three assists.

The midfielder was capped nine times for Bafana Bafana, including three matches at the 2026 World Cup, and had managed one goal for the South African national team.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a sports journalist covering South Africa, with 16 years in sports media and a Bachelor's Degree in Communication. Focused on football analysis and responsible gambling, his work has appeared on GOAL and Pulse Sports Kenya, and he is a regular football analyst on TV and radio.

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