Mamelodi Sundowns Take Special Step To Honour Late Star Jayden Adams

Mamelodi Sundowns Take Special Step To Honour Late Star Jayden Adams

  • Mamelodi Sundowns have revealed a significant tribute for Jayden Adams ahead of the new season
  • The late midfielder’s number 8 will carry a special meaning for the Yellow Nation
  • The decision comes weeks after Adams represented Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Jayden Adams shirt number honoured
Mamelodi Sundowns have announced a lasting tribute to late midfielder Jayden Adams. Image: Hector Vivas - FIFA
Source: Getty Images

Mamelodi Sundowns have taken a lasting step to honour Jayden Adams following the midfielder’s death, with the club ensuring that his presence will remain part of the Yellow Nation even after his passing. The decision comes ahead of the 2026/27 campaign and concerns the shirt number that became closely associated with the late Bafana Bafana star.

Sundowns have confirmed that Adams’ number 8 jersey will be retired for the entire 2026/27 season. The tribute follows the midfielder’s death at the age of 25 on 11 July 2026.

The club described the move as a fitting way to recognise the impact Adams had during his time with the team.

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“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,” Sundowns said.

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The decision means the number 8 will not be assigned to another Sundowns player during the upcoming campaign, giving the club a visible way to remember Adams as the new season begins.

Jayden Adams’ Bafana Bafana legacy

Adams returned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup shortly before his death on 11 July 2026. He helped Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stages for the first time.

He also played against Czechia after learning hours before the match that his maternal grandmother had died.

SAPS opened an inquest after Adams was found at a property in Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town. Police said no foul play was suspected.

Sundowns honour Jayden Adams

Adams joined Sundowns after rising through the ranks at Stellenbosch FC. He helped the club win the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League.

His funeral took place on 25 July 2026 following a public memorial in Stellenbosch.

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Now, Sundowns will leave his number 8 untouched throughout the 2026/27 season, ensuring Adams’ legacy remains part of the club.

Thapelo Maseko’s transfer future

Briefly News previously reported that Thapelo Maseko’s strong 2026 FIFA World Cup showing had been followed by uncertainty over his future at Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Bafana Bafana winger was reportedly attracting interest from clubs abroad, but claims emerged that three potential moves had failed to materialise. The situation has since raised questions about Maseko’s next step as he looks to build on his World Cup breakthrough.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Dzikamai Matara avatar

Dzikamai Matara Dzikamai Matara is a sports writer at Briefly News. He previously worked as a news and current affairs editor at iHarare for eight years. Before that, he was a profiler, sports, human interest, entertainment, and current affairs writer at Pindula for two years, where he produced profiles and news articles. He completed two years of Mechanical Engineering coursework at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He has also completed YOAST SEO for Beginners (2023), YOAST Block Editor Training (2023), and YOAST Structured Data for Beginners (2023).