The girlfriend of late South Africa player Jayden Adams expressed her ‘pride’ with his World Cup selection in a poignant message just weeks before his tragic death.
Soccer has been rocked by the sudden death of Adams, who featured twice for South Africa before they were knocked out by Canada in the last 32 on June 28.
He is believed to have been found dead in a hotel in Cape Town, although details about the nature of his death have yet to be confirmed.
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.
Late South Africa star Jayden Adams’ girlfriend expressed her ‘pride’ with his World Cup selection just weeks before his tragic death
Adams has died at the age of 25 after featuring twice for South Africa at 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’.
Adams had shown great character and professionalism during the World Cup, despite enduring a period of profound personal loss.
He reposted a photo of himself and his partner less than 24 hours before the news of his death
Adams was also mourning the death of his grandmother, Marianna, before the World Cup
In the lead up to the tournament, the midfielder 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 he remained on international duty in the US.
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.
Announcing Adams’ death, the South African Football Players Union wrote in a statement: ‘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.
Tributes have flooded in for the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder following his shock passing
‘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.’
Adams, who played an hour of South Africa’s 2-0 defeat by Mexico and the opening 45 minutes of their 1-1 draw against Czechia just over a fortnight ago, began his career at Stellenbosch before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
The World Cup star had enjoyed a rapid rise in South African football before playing at the tournament, earning recognition for his energy, creativity and composure in midfield.
