Tributes have been paid to the South African World Cup midfielder, Jayden Adams, who died aged 25.
Adams had featured at his country's World Cup campaign, including all three of their group games. They ultimately reached the last 32 of the tournament where they lost to co hosts, Canada.
Just two weeks before South Africa's opening World Cup game against co hosts Meixco, Jayden Adams' partner, Aqueelah Adenorf had shared her support for the footballer. The couple have a five year old daughter together.
Taking to Instagram. Adenorf wrote this message: “Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with so much pride".
“From the hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments, and moments nobody saw — you kept going, stayed disciplined, and trusted God through it all,” Adendorf continued. “And now look at you… representing your country on the national team".
She added, “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".
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Th country's minister of sport, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed Adams' death in a statement.
"It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25", he said.
He continued: "South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international".
Elsewhere, Adams' club, Mamelodi Sundowns FC, also released a statement.
"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", they said. "We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends and everyone who knew him".
𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗱𝗶 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀
It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.
The Chairman… pic.twitter.com/fVwo92RDCA
— Mamelodi Sundowns FC (@Masandawana) July 11, 2026
Jayden Adams started his career as a first alum at Stellenbosch FC's, before signing a professional contract in August 2020.
At the time of writing, a cause of death was not known.
