Just weeks ago, Aqueelah Adendorf was proudly cheering on Jayden Adams as he represented South Africa on football’s biggest stage.
Now, she is mourning the man she called the love of her life, greatest supporter and best friend.
Following the death of the Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder at age 25 on Saturday, July 11, Adendorf has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her long-time partner.
“There are no words to describe the pain I’m feeling,” she wrote.
“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.”
Adendorf added that a part of her heart had left with Adams and that she would carry his love with her forever.
“Until we meet again, I’ll miss you every single day.
“Rest easy, my angel. I love you always and forever. 🕊️❤️.”
Her words are particularly heartbreaking given that just weeks earlier, Adendorf had been proudly cheering Adams on as he prepared to represent South Africa at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Ahead of Bafana Bafana’s opening match against Mexico, she took to Instagram Stories to share a touching message of support for her partner.
“Good luck with the World Cup, my love. I am so proud of you and everything you’ve worked for to get here,” she wrote.
“Go out there, enjoy every moment and show the world what you’re capable of. No matter what happens, I’ll always be your biggest supporter.
“Wishing you success, confidence and an unforgettable tournament. I love you and can’t wait to cheer you on!”
Adendorf then jokingly admitted just how much she missed Adams while he was away.
“Sleeping on a pillow tonight because someone’s chest is too far away,” she wrote.
The pair had been together for several years and share a five-year-old daughter.
Adams had previously spoken about the important role Adendorf played in his life, describing her as his “best girlfriend, supporter and best friend”.
When he completed his move from Stellenbosch FC to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, Adams revealed that he first discussed the decision with Adendorf and their daughter.
Adendorf also regularly celebrated Adams’ achievements online and publicly backed him throughout his rise in South African football.
Her latest post has since been flooded with messages of love and support as South Africans rallied around her during the devastating time.
“Stay strong ❤️🥺 so sorry for your loss,” one person wrote.
“Strongs Mama ❤️❤️❤️🫂🫂🫂,” another added.
A third shared: “Love and light mama ♥️🤍🕯️.”
Adams died just weeks after representing South Africa at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Police have opened an inquest after his body was discovered at a property in Military Road, Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that officers were called to the scene at about 11am.
“Cape Town Central police station registered an inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male at a premises in Military Road, Schotsche Kloof,” Van Wyk said.
“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation.”
Tributes have continued to pour in for the footballer, with Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie among those mourning Adams.
McKenzie shared a video of himself embracing the midfielder, writing: “Rest in peace my precious boy.”
For Adendorf, however, the loss is deeply personal – the loss of her partner, her greatest supporter and her best friend.
And as she wrote in her final words to Adams: “I love you always and forever.”
