AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into the death of South Africa star Jayden Adams, who died just weeks after playing in the World Cup.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, 25, was found dead last weekend at a property in Cape Town, local cops said.

He played in the World Cup just weeks ago

Jayden Adams’ death is being probed by cops

The star died just two weeks after helping South Africa reach the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time in its history.

But authorities have not yet confirmed his cause of death.

Local cops said: “Cape Town central police registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday.”

Authorities are still probing the exact circumstances of the defensive midfielder’s tragic death.

His body was discovered at a property in the Cape Town neighbourhood of Schotsche Kloof at around 11am on Saturday.

But no further details surrounding the footballer’s death have been revealed.

Adams’ dad, Juanito, told South African TV news station eNCA on Sunday that the family was waiting for autopsy results.

He said: “As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it.”

Adams’ dad Juanito said his family were struggling to process the news

Jayden Adams (second from right) played at all three group stage games in the 2026 World Cup

He added: “It won’t be easy to carry on. People say it will become easier, but it won’t. You just learn to live with it.”

Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group games in this year’s World Cup tournament.

The nation produced its best ever performance at the competition, reaching the knockout round after finishing second in Group A.

Adams did not feature in the 1-0 loss to Canada in the round of 32 on June 28.

South Africa Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said Adams played in his team’s group game against the Czech Republic hours after learning that his grandmother had died.

The minister asked the media not to speculate on the cause of Adams’ death while authorities conduct their investigation.

There were moments of silence and tributes for Adams at the England vs. Norway and Argentina vs. Switzerland World Cup quarterfinal games on Saturday.

Adams, a nine-time international, had reposted a picture of himself and his girlfriend online less than a day before the news of his death emerged.

The Three Lions observed a moment of silence in tribute to Adams ahead of their World Cup clash with Norway

Players also took a moment of silence for Adams before the World Cup Quarter Final match between Argentina and Switzerland

His partner Aqueelah put up a photo of the pair standing together on Friday.

The South African Football Players Union said: “The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.

“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA 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.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.

“South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer.

“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

Some of Adams’ team-mates uploaded devastated messages on social media following the player’s death.

Gomolemo Kekana said he was “broken.”

Aubrey Modiba said “Noooo man” while Keanu Cupido added “No man”, “F*** man” and “I’m so sorry man”.

Adams became a South African league winner with Mamelodi last season.

He also lifted the CAF Champions League earlier this year and was a South African cup champ with Stellenbosch.

He made his debut for South Africa in 2024 but was not included in the Afcon squad for 2025.

Source: https://www.the-sun.com/sport/16682950/police-investigation-jayden-adams-world-cup/