FIFA led 60,000 football fans in a moving tribute to the late South African Jayden Adams following his shocking death at the age of 25.
On Saturday, July 11, the World Cup quarterfinal match between England and Norway at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, was preceded by a moment of silence on behalf of Adams. The poignant tribute saw the Norway and England teams stand at opposite ends of the pitch as the packed crowd stood in silence to pay their respects to Adams.
Earlier, a spokesperson for the South African Football Players Union confirmed that Adams – a midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana – died suddenly.
“Jayden recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the nation’s hopes with pride, courage, and distinction,” the agency said. “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, football team and the country as a whole.”
England players observed a minute’s silence in honor of South African player Jayden Adams.
Getty Images / CHANDAN KHANNA / AFPAdams recently played when South Africa lost 2-0 in the World Cup against Mexico and drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic. He also covered the place for South Africa defeating South Korea 1-0, although he did not appear when the national team was beaten 1-0 by Canada. (A loss on June 28 at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood resulted in Canada’s elimination of South Africa from the World Cup in the round of 32.)
Gayton McKenziethe minister of sports, arts and culture of South Africa, said on Saturday that the investigators had not found the cause of Adams’ death. The minister promised that more information about the circumstances of Adam’s death in Cape Town will be shared with the public as the investigation is still ongoing.
After the death of Adams, his longtime partner and mother to his five-year-old daughter, Aqueelah Adendorfbroke his silence on the powerful social media site.
“There are no words to describe the pain I feel,” Adendorf wrote on Instagram on Saturday “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 biggest supporter and best friend.”
He continued, “Part of my heart has left with you, and I will carry your love forever. Until we meet again, I will miss you every day. Rest easy, my angle. I love you always and forever.”
The president of FIFA Gianni Infantino He paid tribute to Adams’ “family, friends and colleagues” in his statement.
“It is very sad to hear that South African player Jayden Adams has passed away a few weeks after playing in a historic FIFA World Cup campaign,” said Infantino, 56, on Saturday. “My thoughts and sympathies are with everyone at FIFA and the football community around the world, with his family, friends and colleagues. The Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be greatly missed. May he rest in peace.”
