'My legs were playing, but my heart was in heaven with her': Jayden Adams' emotional tribute to grandmother during 2026 World Cup resurfaces after his tragic death

South African midfielder Jayden Adams' heartfelt tribute to his grandmother during the 2026 FIFA World Cup has resurfaced following news of his tragic death, touching fans around the world. At the time, Adams spoke openly about the pain of losing his grandmother, describing her as one of his biggest supporters and a constant source of strength throughout his football journey. Despite his grief, he remained committed to representing his country on the sport's biggest stage, earning widespread admiration for his resilience. Now, after his own passing, those emotional words have taken on even greater significance.

Adams, who represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, died at the age of 25, just weeks after the passing of his grandmother, Marianna Adams. According to Marca, his club, Mamelodi Sundowns, has not announced an official cause of death and has asked the public to respect the privacy of his family during this difficult time. Reports have claimed that Adams had been battling depression, following his grandmother's demise.

His death has also brought renewed attention to the emotional tribute he paid to his grandmother during the World Cup. Marianna passed away shortly before South Africa's match against Czechia, yet the midfielder chose to stay with the national team and started the game, demonstrating remarkable strength and commitment despite his personal loss.


"My legs were playing, but my heart was in heaven with her," Adams said as quoted by the media outlet.

"She’s the reason I’m here," Adams added. "Wearing the green and gold meant everything to her."

Adams' tribute to his grandmother now stands as one of the most poignant moments from the final weeks of his life. He often credited her unwavering support for inspiring the dedication and sacrifices that shaped his football career.

The South African Football Association publicly expressed its condolences following her passing during the World Cup. Adams rose through Stellenbosch FC's academy, becoming its first graduate to sign a professional contract, before making 139 appearances and joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2025.