Sundowns Retire Iconic Number 8 Shirt In Honour Of Jayden Adams
Mamelodi Sundowns have paid a lasting tribute to Jayden Adams by retiring the number eight jersey for the 2026/27 season in honour of the late midfielder.
Adams passed away on 11 July 2026 at the age of 25, just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the FIFA World Cup in North America.
The decision means the number eight shirt will remain untouched throughout the upcoming campaign as Sundowns honour a player whose time at the club was brief but significant.
Sundowns Honour Their Number Eight
Sundowns announced the decision in a statement, describing the move as a fitting tribute to Adams and the impact he made on the club’s supporters, known collectively as the Yellow Nation.
The midfielder joined Sundowns after developing through the ranks at Stellenbosch FC and quickly became part of a side that enjoyed a highly successful period.
During his time with the Brazilians, Adams was part of the squad that secured both the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League titles, adding major honours to a career that was still in its early stages.
Adams Left His Mark On Bafana Bafana
Adams’ final months were marked by a significant international achievement after he represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time, with Adams playing a role in the historic campaign.
His commitment to the national team was particularly evident during the tournament when he featured against Czechia despite learning shortly before the match that his maternal grandmother had passed away.
Football World Mourned His Passing
News of Adams’ death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across South African and international football.
Among those who paid their respects were FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie, highlighting the impact Adams had made beyond his club.
A public memorial service was held at Stellenbosch Town Hall before his funeral took place on 25 July.
His passing left South African football mourning a young player whose career had been filled with promise and whose journey had taken him from Stellenbosch to the highest levels of the domestic and international game.
A Legacy That Will Remain
By retiring the number eight jersey for the 2026/27 season, Sundowns have ensured Adams’ memory will remain part of the club throughout the campaign.
The shirt that once represented his place in the Sundowns squad will instead stand as a symbol of remembrance, ensuring that the number eight remains associated with the midfielder and the contribution he made to the Yellow Nation.
For the 2026/27 season, the number will belong to Jayden Adams alone.