Gabonese international footballer Aaron Boupendza has tragically passed away at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of a building in Hangzhou, China.
The incident occurred on April 16, 2025, and Chinese authorities have initiated an investigation to determine whether the fall was accidental, intentional, or due to foul play.
Boupendza had recently joined Chinese Super League club Zhejiang FC in January 2025, following a stint with Rapid Bucharest in Romania. During his brief time with Zhejiang FC, he made a significant impact, scoring four goals in six appearances.
Born on August 7, 1996, in Moanda, Gabon, Boupendza began his professional career with CF Mounana, where he won the Gabon Championnat National D1 in the 2015–16 season. He later moved to France, signing with Bordeaux, and had loan spells with several clubs, including Pau FC, where he was the top scorer in the Championnat National during the 2017–18 season.
His career also included successful periods in Turkey with Hatayspor, where he became the Süper Lig’s top scorer in the 2020–21 season, as well as stints in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United States with FC Cincinnati, and Romania before his move to China.
Internationally, Boupendza earned 35 caps for the Gabon national team, scoring eight goals. He was part of the squad for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, where he scored the winning goal in Gabon’s opening match against Comoros.
The Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) confirmed his death and paid tribute to his contributions to national football. Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema also expressed his condolences, describing Boupendza as “a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football”.
Boupendza’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many mourning the loss of a player who had demonstrated remarkable talent and had a promising future ahead.
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