Aaron Boupendza, an international footballer from Gabon, died on Wednesday after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China. He was 28. At the time of his death, Boupendza was playing for Zheijang FC in the Chinese Super League. His death was confirmed in a statement by the Fédération Gabonaise de Football (FEGAFOOT), which described him as “a great striker who made his mark during the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon.” The club also confirmed the news on Instagram, saying he passed away at his residence and that they are cooperating with authorities as the investigation continues.

Boupendza had represented Gabon 35 times since 2016, scoring eight goals in international competition. Known for his speed and sharp attacking play, he had a well-traveled career across several continents, playing professionally in France, Turkey, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Romania, and the United States. In 2023, he was signed by FC Cincinnati from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Shabab FC, where he had scored 13 goals in 20 matches. He signed a multi-year contract with Cincinnati through 2025, with potential extensions into 2026 and 2027.

 

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However, his stint in Major League Soccer was short-lived. FC Cincinnati terminated his contract in August 2024 for undisclosed reasons. According to WLWT, his time with the team was affected by off-field issues, including an incident in April when he was assaulted at a bar and restaurant around 2 a.m. He suffered a broken jaw and was sidelined for several weeks during his recovery. At the time, police reports confirmed the injury but did not provide further details on the altercation.

Following his departure from MLS, Boupendza played briefly in Romania before transferring to Zheijang FC in China. His final months were spent preparing for a comeback in the Chinese Super League, though he remained largely under the radar after the Cincinnati exit.

FC Cincinnati acknowledged Boupendza’s passing in an emotional message on Instagram, saying, “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him.” His death sent shockwaves through the international football community, particularly in Gabon, where he had become a notable presence in the national team lineup.

The circumstances surrounding Boupendza’s fatal fall are still under investigation. Neither Zheijang FC nor Chinese authorities have released additional information, but the tragedy has reignited concerns around athlete welfare, especially for players navigating transitions between clubs and continents.