Mamelodi Sundowns have taken the unique step of honouring their former midfielder Jayden Adams by leaving the No. 8 shirt unused for the 2026/27 season following the sudden death of the 25-year-old.
The gesture is being seen as a major tribute to Adams, who died in July 2026, just weeks after representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jayden Adams Died at 25
Adams died on July 11, 2026, after returning from the United States, where he had been part of the Bafana Bafana squad at the World Cup.
The midfielder played in three matches during the tournament. He started against Mexico and the Czech Republic before coming on as a substitute in South Africa's 1-0 victory over South Korea.
His death shocked the South African football community, particularly because it came shortly after he had competed at the biggest football tournament in the world.
The cause of his death was not officially disclosed by authorities when the initial reports of his passing emerged.
