South Africa Honors Jayden Adams After His Tragic Death Following Playing in the World Cup With the Bafana Bafana

Mass tributes and messages from football stars accompany the farewell to Jayden Adams, a symbol of humility and hope for South Africa.

Tribute to Jayden Adams

Nairobi, July 16 (EFE).- Family members, teammates, officials, and fans pay tribute this Thursday to South African footballer Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team, who passed away last Saturday at the age of 25, almost two weeks after playing in the 2026 World Cup.

The first ceremony, private and by invitation only, was held between 09:00 and 12:00 local time (07:00 and 10:00 GMT) at the Stellenbosch Town Hall, the southwestern city where the footballer grew up and where he began his career.

A second service, open to the public, is scheduled for 5:00 PM (3:00 PM GMT) at the same location.

The tribute was jointly organized by the family, Mamelodi Sundowns, the Forward Zone agency, which represented the player, and other actors in South African football, according to Adams' family spokesperson and close friend, Brendine Johnson.

Guests

Representatives of the South African Football Association (SAFA), clubs from the country, teammates, family members, and other individuals who supported the midfielder's sports and personal development were invited to the event.

Johnson stated that the family has received a wave of condolences that reflects the stature Adams achieved in South Africa and beyond.

"I don't think his parents really knew how big his profile was," Johnson told South African public broadcaster SABC.

Calls from Messi and Ronaldo

According to the spokesperson, the family received calls and messages from international football figures, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino; SAFA President Danny Jordan; and stars like the Argentine Lionel Messi, the Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo, and the Norwegian Erling Haaland.

"It's a big blow for everyone. We understand that there are many questions, but what the family needs now is the same support that was given to him on the field," he added.

Johnson noted that the proposed date for the funeral is July 25 and explained that the family has sent information to the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, awaiting a response on the possibility of the funeral being a "provincial funeral," an honor recognized by the State that is approved by the head of State.

At the entrance of the Town Hall, a large portrait of Adams wearing the national team's jersey was placed, while yellow and white flowers and candles were arranged in front of the stage in tribute to the player.

The family spokesperson described Adams as a humble, reserved, and generous person who did not want others to know what he did for them.

"He always wanted to create hope for the next generation with his football," Johnson stated, summarizing his legacy for the youth in one phrase: "Less talk and more action."

In his opinion, Adams showed "resilience, persistence, and self-confidence" after going through difficult times at Mamelodi Sundowns, and set an example that young people should not give up "no matter what the world or the media say."

Adams died last Saturday in Cape Town (southwest), about 50 kilometers from Stellenbosch, under circumstances that are still under police investigation, after his body was found in a property following his participation with 'Bafana Bafana', as the South African national team is known, in the 2026 World Cup.

The South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, then stated that the cause of death had not yet been confirmed and urged the media and the public to avoid speculation. EFE