The 70th edition of the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony took place last night, 26 October 2026, an honourable occasion for footballers worldwide.

The award ceremony honoured the late Jaden Adams, a Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns player who passed away after South Africa was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Remembering Jaden Adams

During the Ballon d’Or ceremony, sports journalist Kate Scott and French football legend Thierry Henry paid tribute to the late 25-year-old, acknowledging his inspirational football journey in South Africa.

Adams was remembered alongside international football icons such as Franco Baresi and Kevin Keegan.

🚨🇿🇦 Jaden Adams was honored at the Ballon D’or, may he continue to rest peacefully 🕊️💔 https://t.co/SisStL8DI6

— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) October 26, 2026

The passing of Jaden Adams

The midfielder was found unresponsive in his home in Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town, on the morning of 11 July 2026, a month after Bafana Bafana’s historic last game in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage. It was a sad loss for the country that followed a moment of pride and joy for the national soccer team.

The presenter at the Ballon d’Or ceremony acknowledged Adam’s passing as a “devastating loss in the world of football.”

Jaden Adams’ career

Adams was a rising star, with an inspirational track record.

Before representing South Africa on the global stage, he won the Premiership and CAF Champions League in May 2026 after joining Mamelodi Sundowns back in January 2025. He was also the first Stellenbosch Academy graduate to sign a contract professionally.

The late football player truly made his mark while he was alive; thus, he is and will be dearly missed by colleagues, fans and industry peers.

Internet users expressed how touching the tribute was and hearing the manner and prestige in which he was described.

Jayden Adams is Trending in South Africa because the late Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder received a touching posthumous tribute during the 2026 Ballon d’Or Ceremony held in London on Monday, October 26, 2026.

The midfielder who passed away at the age of 25 in July 2026, just after helping South Africa reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and winning the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns, was honoured alongside international football icons like Franco Baresi and Kevin Keegan.
HN

— Why It Is Trending (@trendingblog247) October 27, 2026

Featured image: X/@StreetFoot