Mamelodi Sundowns have announced that the number eight jersey worn by the late Jayden Adams will be retired for the 2026-’27 season, following the midfielder’s tragic death last month.

Adams (25) died on Saturday 11 July, just weeks after representing South

Africa at the FIFA World Cup. The body of the Stellenbosch star was discovered at a property in the Schotschekloof suburb of Cape Town, with the police opening an inquest into his death.

No official cause of death has been released, with authorities appealing to the public to refrain from speculation while the investigation continues.

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Fitting honour

The announcement by the Betway Premiership club has been met with widespread support from the footballing fraternity, which continues to mourn the loss of one of the country’s brightest talents.

“In honour of Jayden Adams, the number eight jersey will be retired for the 2026-’27 season – a fitting tribute to a player whose impact on the Yellow Nation will never be forgotten,” the club said in a statement.

“The number eight will forever carry Jayden Adams’ name, memories and the place he holds in the Mamelodi Sundowns family.”

Adams enjoyed a remarkable rise through South African football. He began his professional career at Stellenbosch FC, before making the move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January last year.

Meteoric rise

During his time at the Pretoria-based club, he won league titles and the CAF Champions League in 2026.

At the FIFA World Cup, he featured in all three of Bafana Bafana’s group stage matches, starting against Mexico and the Czech Republic, and coming on as a substitute against South Korea. Notably, he played in the Czech Republic match shortly after learning of his grandmother’s death, demonstrating his commitment to the national team during a difficult personal time.

Following Sundowns’ CAF Champions League victory earlier this year, Adams dedicated his medal to former Stellenbosch FC teammate and friend Oshwin Andries, who tragically died in 2023, highlighting his thoughtful character off the pitch.

The retirement of his jersey number serves as a permanent reminder of Adams’ contribution to Mamelodi Sundowns and South African football.

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