The 25-year-old sadly passed away on Saturday morning, having enjoyed a season-and-a-half stint with Sundowns after joining the eight-time Betway Premiership champions from Stellenbosch in January 2025.
Adams played 62 matches in the Brazilians' colours across all competitions, scoring six goals. He won the Betway Premiership once and also lifted the CAF Champions League during his time with the club.
Affectionately known as "Grootman", Adams went on to represent his country 13 times at senior level, scoring two goals and providing one assist. He was also part of the historic Bafana Bafana squad that reached the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cardoso, who arrived at Chloorkop in late 2024, described Adams in a tribute posted on his Instagram account as a man of action rather than words and a talented and intelligent player. The coach also revealed how Adams made him a better coach.
"We received you in our family not long after my arrival in the club and we grew together!" Cardoso wrote.
"I remember watching you play against Stade Malien in Loftus for the conference league, your last match for Stellenbosch. Goal! That incredible first post movement you have and beautiful header!
"Saw you easy, medium pace, reading the pitch and placing accordingly, like you had a GPS and could avoid the traffic! The ball was clean, the game becoming quick, the teammates playing better! I remember asking in what position you were better! No clear answer!
"You came in Sundowns, I spoke about a good player, needing adaptation and the spirit to fight for a position in such competitive environment. You spoke also, not that you are a man of many words, but you did! We speak more by what we do than by the words we let go out from our mouths...
"You worked, you adapted, you understood, you brought yourself in, you played a little everywhere, you smiled, you loved, you enjoyed, you became one of us and us on you."
South Africa's four representatives in CAF club competitions now have a clearer picture of the road ahead after the continental football governing body confirmed key dates for the upcoming campaign.
Mamelodi Sundowns have postponed their pre-season camp in Austria following the death of midfielder Jayden Adams.
Orlando Pirates and Premier Soccer League chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has shared his message of condolences following the shock passing away of Mamelodi Sundowns star Jayden Adams.
Jayden Adams' legacy reaches far beyond the football pitch, with South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, remembering him as a humble and selfless young man after his untimely death.
