Once on the fringes of the Sundowns squad and even missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations, Jayden Adams has gone from a “maybe” to a “must‑start” in a matter of weeks.
The midfielder, who many believed needed a reset, seems to have found exactly that, only not on the training pitch… but in the barber’s chair. Yes, according to SuperSport commentator Thabiso “TT” Tema, Adams’ resurgence has a surprisingly simple explanation:
“It’s the haircut, man. The bold head has unlocked him,” TT joked (or maybe he wasn’t joking?).
And to be fair, Adams has backed up the claim with performances that are anything but a joke. He’s delivered multiple Man of the Match displays, turning games with his energy, intelligence, and sharpness, all helping Mamelodi Sundowns stay firmly in the title race.
From fringe figure to midfield firestarter, Adams’ turnaround has been one of the most entertaining subplots of the season.
THE ‘CUT IT ALL OFF AND PLAY BETTER’ CLUB
Jayden Adams might just be the latest member of football’s unofficial, but widely recognised, group of players who shaved their heads and instantly turned into world‑beaters. There’s a long history of this phenomenon.
Think of Arjen Robben, who became one of football’s most devastating wingers after embracing the sleek aerodynamic look.
Zidane’s hairline disappeared as the footballing poetry began, and Pep Guardiola’s journey from midfielder to trophy‑collecting manager seems to have coincided perfectly with the great departure of his hair.
Vincent Kompany transformed into the Premier League’s most intimidating defensive general while clean‑shaven up top, and even Anthony Martial briefly had fans convinced he played his best football during his infamous bald phase.
Locally, Lebogang Manyama’s hottest spell at Cape Town City came right after he trimmed it all off.
So… do you agree with TT Tema? Has Jayden Adams’ new haircut sparked his rebirth?