Jayden Adams' partner breaks silence as South Africa footballer dies days after taking part in World Cup

The partner of South African footballer Jayden Adams has spoken out after he died at the age of 25 shortly after competing for his country at the World Cup.

Officials announced the footballer's death yesterday (11 July), saying that the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder had met with an 'untimely passing' and calling him a 'gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer'.

Tributes have poured in for the footballer, whose cause of death has not been confirmed, and the most heartbreaking one of all comes from his partner Aqueelah Chloe Adendorf.

The couple shared a five-year-old daughter, and she penned a tribute to his memory saying he was the 'love of her life'.

She wrote: "There are no words to describe the pain I’m feeling.

"Rest in peace, my love. 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.

"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."

She also shared a series of pictures of them together, and many said they wished her strength to get though this terrible tragedy.

Adams had played in the World Cup for South Africa, with the 25-year-old starting their opening two games in the group stages as he'd said how 'proud' he was to be representing his country on the international stage.

Aqueelah had said him being part of South Africa's squad was a sign that his hard work was 'finally paying off'.

There was a moment silence for Adams before the start of World Cup quarter final games between England vs Norway and Argentina vs Switzerland.

The statement announcing his death from the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) read: "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," the statement continued.

"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."