Gabon international Aaron Boupendza has tragically passed away at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China.
The Gabonese Football Federation confirmed on Wednesday Boupendza, who had recently joined Chinese Super League side Zhejiang from Rapid Bucharest, was found dead following the fall. Circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.
“Aaron Boupendza, 28, left an indelible mark at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations,” the Gabonese federation said in a statement.
“Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux, he rose through the ranks and continued his career across Europe, the Middle East, and the United States before arriving in China.”
Aaron Boupendza earned 35 caps for Gabon since his debut in 2016, scoring eight goals for his country and participating in multiple AFCON campaigns.
Tributes have poured in from fans and footballers alike, with former national teammate and Gabonese captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang posting a heartfelt message on Instagram: “I don’t have the words. Rest in peace, my brother.”
Gabon midfielder Mario Lemina also expressed his sorrow, writing: “Rest in peace Aaron. So talented, so joyful. May Allah soothe the hearts of your family and those who truly wished the best for you. We are all responsible today.”
Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema also issued a statement mourning the striker’s death: “It is with great sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Boupendza’s former club FC Cincinnati, where he played during the 2023/24 season, also paid tribute: “We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza. He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and teammates.”
Boupendza began his professional career in France with Bordeaux, before rising to prominence with Hatayspor in the Turkish Super Lig, where he was among the league’s top scorers. His career later took him to Qatar and the United States, where he impressed at FC Cincinnati, and finally to China.
Earlier at the start of the current season, the striker was set to sign with Cairo giants, Zamalek, before making a controversial turnaround and signing for Romanian club Rapid Bucharest instead.