Jayden Adams #23

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One of the most exciting players in South African football right now. The Sundowns midfielder has huge quality in the middle of the pitch, confident and comfortable in possession, never shy to receive the ball under pressure. His pinpoint passing ability shines through, and he was linked with a big move to Europe before this summer’s tournament. He came through Stellenbosch’s youth system, becoming their first academy product to sign a professional contract. His progress at international level has not been totally smooth though. When he was called up for a 2025 Afcon qualifier he arrived late, resulting in coach Hugo Broos excluding him for a year. “He did what he did, and I was not happy,” Broos explained in March. “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 got in the last year. He was conscious of it himself; he looked in the mirror and said, ‘Jayden, if you go on like this, your career is finished’ … Everyone knows he’s a very good player and I think he can help us a lot.”

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