Jayden Adams’ longtime partner and mother to his 5-year-old daughter, Aqueelah Adendorf, has broken her silence following the South African soccer star’s shocking death.
“There aren’t any words to explain the pain I’m feeling,” Adendorf wrote via Instagram on Saturday, July 11, hours after the soccer star’s death was announced. “Rest in peace, my love. Thanks for each memory, every laugh, every hug, and each moment we shared. You weren’t only the love of my life but additionally my best supporter and my best friend.”
She continued within the caption, shared alongside quite a lot of photos featuring the pair holding hands, “A component of my heart left with you, and I’ll carry your love with me endlessly. Until we meet again, I’ll miss you each single day. Rest easy, my angle. I like you usually and endlessly.”
On Saturday, the South African Football Players Union announced the midfielder, who played for each the Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, had died unexpectedly.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large,” the statement, shared via X, continued. “Death has cruelly stolen considered one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it’ll never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. We’ll endlessly remember his humanity, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa.”
Adams appeared in South Africa’s 2-0 World Cup loss to Mexico and it’s 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. He was a substitute player within the national team’s 1-0 win over South Korea, but he didn’t appear within the team’s loss to Canada, which knocked South Africa out of 2026 World Cup competition.
Based on Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture, authorities haven’t established an official explanation for death on the time of publication. Any information regarding the continued investigation into the athlete’s death might be disseminated by the correct authorities when appropriate, the minister added.
Weeks before his death, Adendorf shared a touching tribute to the soccer star ahead of his 2026 World Cup debut.
“Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with a lot pride,” Adendort wrote via Instagram on May 27, before Adams and the South Africa national team appeared on this yr’s World Cup tournament – the primary appearance for South Africa in 16 years.
“From the exertions, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments, and moments no person saw — you retain going, stayed disciplined, and trusted God through all of it,” she continued within the caption, shared alongside three photos of the couple posing for the camera. “And now have a look at you… representing your country on then national team.”
She added on the time, “I don’t think you even realize how inspiring you might be. You deserve each moment of this because I’ve seen how much you’ve worked for it. Through every challenge, you never gave up in your dream, and that alone makes me so proud to face beside you and support you thru all of it.”