Poignant footage of late World Cup player Jayden Adams has reappeared, showing moments after what would become his final outing for South Africa.
Adams, 25, was discovered dead on Saturday morning in Schotschekloof, Cape Town, only weeks after making two appearances at the World Cup. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
The tragic news has shaken the football world and left his girlfriend, Aqueelah Adendorf, and her five-year-old daughter grieving. Players in both quarter-final fixtures overnight honoured him with a minute’s silence.
A video has now surfaced from inside South Africa’s dressing room as the squad celebrated their 1-0 victory over South Korea, a result that secured their place in the last 32.
As teammates around him sang, danced and beat rhythmically on a table, Adams remained seated, appearing to take in the moment quietly.
Having come off the bench in that match to help close out the win, Adams seemed detached from the jubilant scenes, choosing instead to watch the celebrations unfold.
Footage has resurfaced showing South Africa’s Jayden Adams seated during the team’s celebrations after their 1-0 win over South Korea
Adams, 25, was found dead on Saturday, just weeks after representing South Africa at the World Cup
His girlfriend expressed her ‘pride’ with his World Cup selection just weeks before his death
We do not know the full context of the clip, but we do know that even being there was an achievement and a show of great character from the midfielder.
In the lead up to the tournament, he was mourning the death of his grandmother, Marianna Adams.
She died just two weeks before the World Cup kicked off, and was buried on June 27 while Adams remained on international duty in the United States.
He was also still grieving the loss of one of his closest friends, South African youth footballer Oshwin Andries, who was killed three years ago.
Andries was stabbed in February 2023 and died in hospital in Stellenbosch – his family alleged he did not receive adequate medical treatment after he was discharged then later readmitted to the emergency unit.
Less than 24 hours before his shock passing was reported, the 25-year-old reposted a photo of himself and girlfriend Aqueelah Adendorf on Instagram.
Adendorf has taken to the social-media platform to thank people for ‘kind condolences and messages of support’ in the wake of her boyfriend’s death, while adding that they ‘truly mean a lot to me and [five-year-old daughter] Allaia during this difficult time.’
Following the heartbreaking news, her emotional pre-World Cup message to Adams has also resurfaced, in which she gushed over how ‘inspiring’ he is as he prepared for the tournament.
He reposted a photo of himself and his partner less than 24 hours before the news of his death
Adams has died at the age of 25 after featuring twice for South Africa at the tournament
Tributes have flooded in for the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder following his shock passing
‘Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with so much pride,’ Adendorf wrote alongside a picture of them together in an Instagram post on May 27.
‘From the hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments, and moments nobody saw — you kept going, stayed disciplined, and trusted God through it all. And now look at you… representing your country on the national team.
‘I don’t think you even realize how inspiring you are. You deserve every single moment of this because I’ve seen how much you’ve worked for it. Through every challenge, you never gave up on your dream, and that alone makes me so proud to stand beside you and support you through it all.
‘No matter how far this journey takes you, just know I’ll always be your biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and safest place.
‘This is only the beginning for you, my love. May God continue to guide your steps, protect you, and open even bigger doors for your future. Keep shining, keep believing, and keep making us proud. Your hard work is finally paying off and I know there’s still so much more greatness waiting for you.
‘“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3’.
Announcing Adams’ death, the South African Football Players Union wrote: ‘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.
‘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.’
The union also posted on social media platform X: ‘Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it will never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa.
‘Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.’
