Juanito Adams, the father of late South African football star Jayden Adams, has broken his silence following the heartbreaking death of his son, marking his first public comments since the tragedy.
Jayden Adams died on Saturday, July 11, only a few days after representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where the national team made history by advancing to the knockout stage for the first time.
Delivering a message on behalf of the family, Juanito reflected on the devastating impact of the unexpected loss, explaining that its suddenness has made the grieving process especially painful.
“As you all know, it was an untimely death. The family is struggling to process it. It won’t be easy to carry on. People say it will become easier, but it won’t. You just learn to live with it, so we’ll see what the time ahead holds for us,” he told eNCA.
While mourning their immense personal loss, the Adams family has also been deeply touched by the extraordinary outpouring of support from football fans, players, and well-wishers across the globe.
Juanito said the overwhelming response has highlighted the lasting impression Jayden made both on and off the pitch.
“The whole world is reacting to Jayden’s death. Like I said, it’s very tough; we can see the love the world had for his soccer and for Jayden. It’s very overwhelming, honestly,” he added.
Jayden Adams’ father, Juanito Adams, has opened up about his son’s passing. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder died at the age of 25 at a property in Cape Town. Tune in to #eNCA, channel #DStv403. pic.twitter.com/5SKMtYausZ
— eNCA (@eNCA) July 12, 2026
According to Times of India, as tributes continued to pour in, South Africa’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie addressed the growing circulation of unverified claims online regarding the circumstances surrounding Jayden’s death.
McKenzie urged members of the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed rumours and appealed for privacy and respect for the grieving family while police continue investigating the incident.
