Confédération Africaine de Football President Dr Patrice Motsepe has paid an emotional tribute following Jayden Adams death, mourning the loss of the South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder who died aged 25 just weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Authorities have confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the footballer’s death remains ongoing, with no official cause released.

Also read: FIFA appoints referee for France-Spain World Cup semi-final

Dr Motsepe described Adams as one of African football’s brightest young talents whose career had continued to flourish on both the domestic and international stage.

On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, the football administrator extended condolences to the South African Football Association, SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns and Adams’ family.

“On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Dr Motsepe conveys his heartfelt condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), and its President, Dr Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and to the Family of Jayden Adams,” the governing body said in its official statement.

Dr Motsepe concluded the tribute by saying, “May Jayden Adam’s Soul Rest in Peace.”

Jayden Adams death has sent shockwaves across South African football, with tributes continuing to pour in from government leaders, football officials, teammates and supporters. South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie urged the public to avoid speculation while investigators establish the facts.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said, adding that South African football had lost one of its brightest young talents.

Police have registered an inquest after Adams was found dead at a property in Cape Town on Saturday.

Officials have stressed that the cause of death has not yet been determined and have appealed for patience while investigations continue. Adams’ father has also asked for privacy as the family awaits the outcome of the post-mortem examination.

Born in Cape Town, Adams emerged through Stellenbosch FC’s academy before establishing himself as one of the Premier Soccer League’s standout midfielders.

His move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025 marked another decisive step in his career, with the midfielder helping the club win the South African Premiership and the 2025-26 CAF Champions League.

Internationally, Adams made his senior debut for Bafana Bafana in 2022 and steadily became a regular selection.

During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he featured prominently as South Africa reached the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history before exiting against Canada.

The achievement was widely regarded as a landmark moment for South African football.

The midfielder’s final weeks also reflected remarkable resilience. Adams continued to represent his country despite learning of the death of his grandmother during the World Cup, a gesture that drew admiration from teammates and supporters alike.

Tributes in his memory have since included moments of silence during FIFA World Cup fixtures, underlining the profound impact he made both on and off the pitch.

As South African football comes to terms with the loss of one of its most promising players, Adams leaves behind a legacy defined by talent, humility and rapid achievement.