Jayden Adams will be remembered today as family, teammates, football officials and supporters gather in Stellenbosch to celebrate the life of one of South Africa’s brightest football stars.
The official memorial service for the late Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder will take place at the Stellenbosch Town Hall on Thursday, July 16.
The day has been divided into two sessions, allowing both guests and members of the public an opportunity to honour the 25-year-old.
The first service, running from 9am to 12pm, is reserved for family, close friends, teammates, government representatives and football authorities.
Later in the day, from 5pm, the doors will open to the public, allowing fans and community members to pay their final respects.
A large turnout is expected; supporters are encouraged to arrive early.
Adams died on Saturday, July 11, in Cape Town, just days after returning from representing South Africa at the 2026 Fifa World Cup. His death sent shockwaves across the country, with messages of support pouring in from across the football world.
His funeral has been scheduled for Saturday, July 25, in his hometown of Stellenbosch.
Adams leaves behind a football legacy that many believed was only beginning. Raised in Cloetesville, he progressed through the Stellenbosch FC academy and made history in August 2020 when he became the first academy graduate to sign a professional contract with the club’s senior team.
He went on to make 139 appearances for Stellenbosch FC and helped the side lift the Carling Knockout Cup in 2023 before earning a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
At Sundowns, Adams quickly established himself in midfield, helping the club win the Premiership title before playing a key role in their 2026 CAF Champions League triumph.
On the international stage, Adams became a regular for Bafana Bafana. He featured in all three group stage matches during South Africa’s historic run to the knockout rounds of the 2026 Fifa World Cup, a milestone for the national team.
He was also part of the squad that secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across South Africa and beyond, including messages from Fifa President Gianni Infantino, the Department of Sport and football supporters around the world.
His passing has also renewed conversations around the mental health challenges faced by elite athletes.
Adams is survived by his family and his two children, Jude and Allaia.
