South African soccer star Jayden Adams’ longtime partner, Aqueelah Adendorf, is grateful for the support that she is receiving following his sudden death at 25.
“Thank you all so much for your kind condolences and messages of support,” Adendorf wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, July 11. “They truly mean a lot to me and [our daughter] Allaïa during this difficult time.”
She continued, “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.”
News broke earlier on Saturday that Adams died just weeks after appearing in the 2026 World Cup.
“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,” the South African Football Players Union wrote in a statement. “We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa.”
A cause of death has not been publicly shared. Adams is survived by Adendorf and their 5-year-old daughter.
“There are no words to describe the pain I’m feeling. 💔,” Adendorf wrote via Instagram several hours later, breaking her silence on the tragedy. “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 greatest supporter and my best friend.”
She continued, “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. 🕊️❤️.”
Months earlier, Adendorf publicly honored Adams for making South Africa’s World Cup team.
“Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with so much pride. From the hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments and moments nobody saw — you kept going, stayed disciplined and trusted God through it all,” she wrote via Instagram in May. “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.”
She concluded, “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 ❤️.”
Despite South Africa’s early elimination from the tournament, FIFA honored Adams during the Saturday quarterfinal matchup between England and Norway with a solemn moment of silence.
