Jayden Adams’ longtime partner, Aqueelah Adendorf, is mourning the South African soccer star after his death at age 25.
People reported that Adendorf shared an emotional tribute after the South African Football Players Union announced Adams’ death on Saturday, July 11. E! News also reported that Adendorf broke her silence following the news.
Adams and Adendorf shared a 5-year-old daughter, according to People.
Adendorf Remembered Adams as Her Best Friend
Adendorf wrote that there were no words for the pain she was feeling. She called Adams her love, her greatest supporter and her best friend while thanking him for their memories, laughter, hugs and time together.
Her tribute ended with a message of love and grief, as she told Adams to “rest easy” and said she would love him forever.
She Had Celebrated His World Cup Dream Weeks Earlier
People reported that Adendorf had shared a loving message on May 27, shortly before South Africa’s World Cup campaign began. In that earlier post, she celebrated Adams’ hard work, sacrifices, discipline, faith and journey to representing his country.
Only weeks before his death, Adendorf had publicly praised Adams for reaching one of the biggest milestones of his career.
Adams appeared for South Africa during the tournament as the national team reached the knockout stage for the first time. Reuters reported that he started against Mexico and the Czech Republic, then came off the bench in South Africa’s 1-0 win over South Korea.
The South African Football Players Union said Adams’ death was an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs and the wider football community.
South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie also paid tribute to Adams, describing him as one of the country’s brightest young talents and asking the public to avoid speculation while his family and club are given privacy.
His Cause of Death Has Not Been Confirmed
No official cause of death has been released. Reuters reported that South Africa’s sports ministry confirmed Adams’ death but did not disclose a cause.
Adams had been playing for Mamelodi Sundowns after beginning his professional career with Stellenbosch FC. Reuters reported that he made his South Africa debut in 2022, earned 13 caps and scored two goals during qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
