Gabonese striker Aaron Boupendza has passed away at the age of 28, following a fatal fall from the 11th floor of a building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC. The news was confirmed by Gabon's national football federation (Fegafoot) in an official statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our national team player,” the statement read. “Aaron Boupendza died in China after falling from his apartment building. He was a gifted striker who made a lasting impression, especially during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.”
Boupendza was part of the Gabonese national team, known as the Panthers, which reached the last 16 of the 2022 AFCON before being knocked out by Burkina Faso.
Fegafoot expressed heartfelt sympathies to his family, stating, “The entire Gabonese football community mourns this devastating loss and extends sincere condolences to his loved ones.”
Gabon’s president-elect, Brice Oligui Nguema, also shared his sorrow on social media, praising Boupendza as “a gifted forward who brought pride to Gabonese football.”
While the exact details surrounding the incident remain uncertain, Gabonese media outlet Gabon 24 reported that authorities in China have launched an investigation to clarify the circumstances of his death.
Born in Moanda, Boupendza began his professional career in France with Bordeaux in 2016, though he spent much of his early career on loan. His breakthrough came in Turkey, where he became the top scorer in the Süper Lig with Hatayspor during the 2020–21 season.
He later played for clubs in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United States (FC Cincinnati), and Romania, before making a recent move to the Chinese league in January.
Boupendza's dynamic style and goal-scoring talent earned him fans across continents, and his untimely passing leaves a significant void in African football.
