Tragically, Gabonese forward Aaron Boupendza passed away at the age of 28 after allegedly falling from a Chinese building’s eleventh story.
In six games, Boupendza scored four goals and provided two assists for Zhejiang FC, a Chinese team he joined in January. He has previously played for Rapid Bucharest of Romania, FC Cincinnati of the Major League Soccer, and Hatayspor of the Turkish Super Lig.
In the final 16 of the 2021 season, the adaptable forward played for Gabon, which was eliminated from the African Cup of Nations. He managed five goals in 29 caps for his nation, including one in a 1-0 victory over the Comoros in the first group game.
Boupendza passed away after “falling from the eleventh floor of the building,” according to the Gabon Football Federation.
Boupendza “fell from the 11th floor of a building in China,” according to Romanian reports cited by Reuters, and “authorities in China have launched an investigation to find out whether the fall was an accident, suicide, or the result of foul play.”
In a social media statement, the Gabonese Football Federation expressed their “sincere condolences to his family” and President-elect Brice Oligui Nguema said (as cited above):
“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.”
Mario Lemina, a Gabonese midfielder for Galatsaray who was previously with Wolverhampton Wanderers, replied on his Instagram account:
“Aaron, rest in peace. You were so happy and talented… I’m furious. These individuals referred to themselves as pals or brothers. And those who gave you this advice, at the very least, sincerely ask your parents for forgiveness.”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, his countryman, posted the following on his Instagram story:
“I have no words, rest in peace my (friend).”
In addition to his impressive 22 goals in 38 games for Hatayspor, Boupendza also had a solid nine goals and five assists in 35 games while playing for Cincinnati in the United States. At TQL Stadium, he was praised as a “dominant on-field performer” and was a clinical left-footed finisher.
According to reports, Premier League clubs were interested in Boupendza.
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After YouTube Thumbnail – 2025-04-16T144315.667 In the summer of 2021, Arsenal and Tottenham were admirers.
After a fantastic 2020–21 season in which he scored 22 goals and won the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot, Boupendza’s future became a subject of debate. In the summer of 2021, 90min stated that the Gabonese forward had been linked to Arsenal and that his countryman Aubemeyang had informed the Gunners of his skill.
West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur were also interested in the prolific scorer, but he never made it to the Premier League. Instead, he signed a £3.6 million (€4.2 million) contract to join Qatari team Al-Arabi SC. He started travelling, spending time in the United States, Saudi Arabia, Romania, Turkey, Portugal, and France.
In Saturday’s (April 12) 3-2 loss to HH Shenhua, Boupendza made his final appearance for Zhejiang FC, contributing an assist in the Chinese Super League match. The football community is in mourning following his unexpected passing on Wednesday, April 16.
xz
