South African footballer Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the country.

The news was confirmed on Saturday by Gayton McKenzie, who expressed his condolences in a statement posted on X.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. and South Africa national football team, at the age of 25,” McKenzie wrote.

“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.”

No details surrounding Adams’ death were immediately released.

“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed,” McKenzie said. “I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.”

Adams played a key role in South Africa’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign, helping Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time.

He started South Africa’s opening Group A match against the Czech Republic and was substituted at halftime. McKenzie revealed that Adams had taken the field only hours after learning of his grandmother’s death.

The midfielder began his professional career with Stellenbosch F.C. before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year.

During his time with the Pretoria-based club, Adams helped the team capture the CAF Champions League title, cementing his reputation as one of South Africa’s most promising young players.

The South African Football Players Union paid tribute to Adams, describing his death as a devastating loss for the sport.

“Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer,” the union said in a statement on X.

“We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”

Tributes also poured in from President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Federation of Trade Unions, who extended their condolences to Adams’ family, friends and the wider football community.

His death marks a significant loss for South African football, with many remembering him as one of the country’s brightest emerging stars.