Gabon is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of one of its brightest football stars, Aaron Boupendza, who died on Wednesday at the age of 28 after reportedly falling from the 11th floor of a building in China.
The Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying the striker died in the city where he was playing for Chinese Super League side Zhejiang FC.
“Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who made his mark, notably at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon,” the federation wrote.
Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, with Gabonese broadcaster Gabon 24 reporting that an investigation is already underway to determine the exact circumstances of his death.
Born in Moanda, Gabon, Boupendza’s journey through professional football saw him play for clubs across Europe, the Middle East, the U.S., and most recently, Asia. He began his international career with French side Bordeaux in 2016 and made waves in Turkey, becoming the top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig during the 2020–21 season with Hatayspor.
His career included stints at Al Arabi (Qatar), Al Shabab (Saudi Arabia), FC Cincinnati (USA), Rapid Bucharest (Romania), and finally, a move to China in January this year.
Gabon’s president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also expressed his sorrow in a tribute post on X, saying:
“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.”
Boupendza was a key figure in Gabon’s national team, “The Panthers,” and helped lead them to the Round of 16 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were eventually knocked out by Burkina Faso.
He leaves behind a legacy of skill, passion, and pride for his country — and a football family stunned by his untimely death.
