Aqueelah Adendorf, the partner of the late Jayden Adams, has broken her silence following the untimely death of the Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder.
Adams died on Saturday, with Masandawana, SAFA, PSL, sports apparel giant Nike, South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie and FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirming the passing of the 25-year-old. Tribute messages from footballers and the football community flowed in, underlining how he touched many lives.
A minute of silence in honour of Adams was observed before England and Norway clashed in a 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final encounter on Saturday. The former Stellenbosch FC star died a few days after he participated in the World Cup with Bafana. He featured in three of South Africa’s four games at the global football showpiece.
After starting Group A games against Mexico and the Czech Republic, Adams came on as a substitute to play 10 minutes in the last pool match against South Korea. He was then an unused substitute in the Round of 32 clash with Canada, where Bafana’s historic campaign ended.
It was a tournament in which he showed character by taking the field despite his grandmother, Marianna, passing away hours before the match against the Czech Republic.
At the World Cup, Adams had fought his way back into the national side following a spell on the sidelines, with cameo roles at the 2023 AFCON tournament. Having missed out on the 2025 AFCON, a revitalised Adams became a regular in Miguel Cardoso’s Sundowns squad to stake a claim back in the Bafana fold.
A CAF Champions League gold medal spurred the midfielder as he went to the World Cup. Less than 24 hours before his passing, Adams posted on his Instagram status a romantic message displaying strong affection for Adendorf.
JAYDEN ADAMS’ PARTNER ADENDORF POURS OUT HER HEART
In a heartfelt post, Adendorf paid tribute to Adams on her Instagram wall.
View this post on Instagram
“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,” Adendorf wrote on Saturday.
“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.”
Adams further mourned her partner on her Instagram status and expressed appreciation for the support pouring in.
“Thank you all so much for your kind condolences and messages of support. They truly mean a lot to me and Allaia [their daughter] during this difficult time,” she added.
“I appreciate every message, even if I haven’t responded yet. I will get back to everyone as soon as I can. Thank you for your understanding and kindness.”
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