The South African Football Players Union announced Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams’ death on July 11, only a few weeks after he competed in the World Cup. No cause of death was immediately announced.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large,” the organization said in a statement. “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 humanity, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa.”
“There are no words to describe the pain I’m feeling. 💔 “Rest in peace, my love,” Adams’ girlfriend Aqueelah Chloe Adendorf wrote via Instagram. “Thank you for every memory, every laugh, every hug, and every moment we shared. You were not only the love of my life but also my greatest supporter and my best friend.”
She went on, “A part of my heart left with you, and I will carry your love with me forever. Until we meet again, I’ll miss you every single day. Rest easy, my angel. I love you always and forever.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino added in his own statement, “It is 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 and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”
