World Cup star Jayden Adams' father refuses to comment on reports his son died by suicide as South African police investigate sudden passing

Police have launched an investigation into the sudden death of South African World Cup star Jayden Adams, as his father refused to comment on unverified reports his son had died by suicide.

Adams, 25, was found dead on Saturday morning in Schotschekloof, Cape Town, just weeks after featuring twice in the World Cup. His cause of death is unconfirmed.

Cape Town police have since confirmed an inquest into Adams' death has been opened.

'Cape Town central police registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday,' a statement read.

'Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation.'

Adams' father Juanito spoke to eNCAnews where he was asked whether he could confirm or deny speculation his son had died by suicide and responded: 'No'.

Jayden Adams, 25, was found dead on Saturday just weeks after playing in the World Cup

His girlfriend expressed her 'pride' with his World Cup selection just weeks before his death

Juanito admitted his family were struggling to process the loss and thanked the football community for their support.

'As you all know, it was an untimely death, the family is struggling to process it,' he said.

'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.

'We will see what the time ahead holds for us, the whole world is reacting to Jayden's death.

'Like I said, it is very tough; we can see the love the world had for his soccer and for Jayden, it is very overwhelming, honestly.'

He confirmed Tlhopie Motsepe, the chairperson of Adams' club Mamelodi Sundowns, had visited the family home to pay his respects.

South Africa's Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, called for the media and public to 'exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.'

FIFA president Gianni Infantino issued a tribute to Adams following news of his death.

He reposted a photo of himself and his partner less than 24 hours before the news of his death

'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.

'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.'

Adams had played three times at the World Cup this summer as South Africa made the knock-out stages for the first time, before losing to Canada in the last-32.

The midfielder had won the South African Premiership in 2025 and the 2026 CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns.

In the lead up to the tournament, he was mourning the death of his grandmother, Marianna Adams.

She died just two weeks before the World Cup kicked off, and was buried on June 27 while Adams remained on international duty in the United States.

He was also still grieving the loss of one of his closest friends, South African youth footballer Oshwin Andries, who was killed three years ago.

Andries was stabbed in February 2023 and died in hospital in Stellenbosch – his family alleged he did not receive adequate medical treatment after he was discharged then later readmitted to the emergency unit.

Adams featuring in all three of South Africa's group stage matches at the tournament

Less than 24 hours before his shock passing was reported, the 25-year-old reposted a photo of himself and girlfriend Aqueelah Adendorf on Instagram.

Adendorf has taken to the social-media platform to thank people for 'kind condolences and messages of support' in the wake of her boyfriend's death, while adding that they 'truly mean a lot to me and [five-year-old daughter] Allaia during this difficult time.'

Following the heartbreaking news, her emotional pre-World Cup message to Adams has also resurfaced, in which she gushed over how 'inspiring' he is as he prepared for the tournament.

'Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with so much pride,' Adendorf wrote alongside a picture of them together in an Instagram post on May 27.

'From the hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments, and moments nobody saw — you kept going, stayed disciplined, and trusted God through it all. And now look at you… representing your country on the national team.

'I don’t think you even realize how inspiring you are. You deserve every single moment of this because I’ve seen how much you’ve worked for it. Through every challenge, you never gave up on your dream, and that alone makes me so proud to stand beside you and support you through it all.

'No matter how far this journey takes you, just know I’ll always be your biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and safest place.

'This is only the beginning for you, my love. May God continue to guide your steps, protect you, and open even bigger doors for your future. Keep shining, keep believing, and keep making us proud. Your hard work is finally paying off and I know there’s still so much more greatness waiting for you.

'“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3'.

England and Norway observed a minutes' silence in honour of Adams before their World Cup quarter-final

Announcing Adams' death, the South African Football Players Union wrote: '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.'

The union also posted on social media platform X: 'Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it will never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. 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.'

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see

www.samaritans.org

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