Gabon striker Aaron Boupendza dies after falling from building in China

Gabonese international footballer Aaron Boupendza has died at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China, the Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) confirmed on Wednesday.

“The Gabonese international died following a fall from the 11th floor of his building in China where he was playing for Zhejiang FC,” Fegafoot said in a statement shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Boupendza, who played as a centre-forward, had a prolific career across multiple countries and leagues. He was a standout performer during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Cameroon, where Gabon reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by Burkina Faso.

“Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN,” the federation said. “Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football family offer their sincere condolences to his biological family.”

President-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also expressed his sorrow over the loss, posting 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.”

Gabon 24, a national broadcaster, reported that the exact circumstances surrounding the fall remain unclear. An official investigation is currently underway in China to determine the cause of the incident.

Born in Moanda, Gabon, Boupendza began his European football journey in 2016 with Bordeaux in France. He spent several seasons on loan with other French clubs before making a breakthrough move to Hatayspor in Turkey in 2020, where he became the Super Lig’s top scorer in the 2020–21 season.

He later played for Al Arabi in Qatar, winning the Qatar FA Cup, followed by a stint in Saudi Arabia with Al Shabab.

Boupendza also had spells with FC Cincinnati in the United States and Rapid Bucharest in Romania before joining Zhejiang FC in the Chinese Super League earlier this year.

Gabon striker Aaron Boupendza dies after falling from building in China