From clubs and national associations to governments and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the feeling of grief was universal and perfectly illustrated by the two impeccably observed moments of silence ahead of Saturday’s World Cup quarter-finals in Miami and Dallas.
It is a tragic story that touched the world, that of a young man whose life has been cut short when seemingly in his prime and just weeks after appearing in front of hundreds of millions at the global finals.
What exactly transpired will come out over time, but for now the emotions are raw in a country and at a club, Mamelodi Sundowns, that have sadly known tragedy in the past.
Gift Leremi, Anele Ngcongca and Motjeka Madisha all perished in car accidents while on the books of the club, and this will be another difficult moment for the team to endure.
Adams grew up in the poor Stellenbosch community of Cloetesville, around a 45-minute drive from Cape Town.
His talent was spotted by local side Stellenbosch FC, and he became part of their academy before being promoted to the first team in the 2019/20 season at the age of 18.
For many like Adams, football provides an escape from criminal gangs that rule their communities and, in some instances, can literally save their lives.
He made his debut for Stellenbosch when he came on as a late substitute in a 1-1 draw with Chippa United in August 2020, at the tail end of the season that was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Another substitute appearance followed in a 1-0 loss to Orlando Pirates.
His full debut came in the opening fixture of the 2020/21 campaign, a 1-1 draw with Moroka Swallows, just months past his 19th birthday, and he largely became a fixture in the side after that.
It was not until April 2022 that he scored his first goal in a 2-0 win at Lamontville Golden Arrows, but while he would chip in with handy strikes over his career, he was in the side mostly as a defensive midfielder.
Soon afterwards, he won his first cap for Bafana Bafana in the 0-0 draw with Mozambique at the 2022 COSAFA Cup in Durban. He would go on to make 13 appearances, scoring two goals, both in back-to-back qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup against Benin and Lesotho.
His passing range, high work rate and ability to read the game were highly valued, and he played a big part in Stellenbosch winning their first major trophy, the Carling Knockout, in 2023.
He established himself as one of the best in his position in the Betway Premiership and, after 139 appearances and nine goals for Stellenbosch, it was little surprise when big-spending Mamelodi Sundowns pounced for his signature in January 2025.
It was a big step up for Adams, given the competition for places at the Brazilians, but he took it in his stride and debuted in a Nedbank Cup fixture against Sibanye Golden Stars later that month.
He was soon a regular and featured for the team in all three matches at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. He continued to make a strong contribution, starting both legs of the CAF Champions League final that Sundowns won this past season.
He was sent off twice in the space of two months towards the end of the campaign, both in league games for Sundowns, something that had not been part of his game in the past.
Having helped Bafana Bafana to a bronze medal at the 2023 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, he fell out of favour in the national set-up, playing only two matches between February 2024 and March 2026, but returned to play his part at the World Cup.
Adams had arrived late for a camp and disciplinarian coach Hugo Broos excluded him for a year, explaining why in March this year.
“When you’re so young and suddenly you become a very good player, a star, and there is so much interest in you, it’s difficult to manage that,” Broos said.
“And at a certain moment, Jayden lost himself as well. The moment he went to Sundowns, I think he thought, ‘Ah, things are done,’ and as time went on, he was not playing, he was on the bench, and he was even in the stands at certain moments.
“He did what he did with the national team, and I was not happy with that, but he’s learnt a lot, and he knows now. When you see him playing, he’s more mature, and the qualities are still there. And this maturity is something he gained in the last year.”
Adams’ loss is tragic, first and foremost for his partner and young daughter, and the rest of his family.
He had been touched by tragedy himself. He was the best friend of Stellenbosch FC player Oshwin Andries, who died after a stabbing incident in February 2023, something that affected Adams deeply.
The loss of his grandmother a few weeks ago during the World Cup was another huge blow, with the sight of a quiet and reserved Adams sitting silently in the Bafana dressing room as his teammates celebrated their last-32 berth a haunting one.