Gabon Striker Boupendza Dies After Tragic Fall

Gabonese striker Aaron Boupendza passed away on Wednesday at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China, as confirmed by the national football federation (Fegafoot).

“The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China, where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” the federation said in a statement on X.

“Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.”

In 2022, Gabon exited the Africa Cup of Nations in the round of 16 after a defeat by Burkina Faso.

“Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family,” the federation added.

Gabon’s president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also shared his sympathy on X.

“It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football,” he posted.

According to Gabon 24, “the exact circumstances of this tragedy are still unclear,” but an investigation is ongoing to determine the details.

Boupendza, who was born in Moanda, began his professional journey with French club Bordeaux in 2016, spending much of his time on loan with other French teams.

In 2020, he joined Turkish club Hatayspor, becoming the top scorer in the Super Lig for the 2020–21 season. He later played for Al Arabi—where he lifted the Qatar FA Cup—and Saudi side Al Shabab.

His career also included stints in the United States with FC Cincinnati and in Romania with Rapid Bucharest, before making a move to China in January.