The football world has been left shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Gabonese international striker Aaron Boupendza, who tragically fell from the 11th floor of a building in China on Wednesday, April 15, 2025, at the age of 28. The incident occurred while Boupendza was playing for Zhejiang FC, a Chinese football club.
The news was confirmed by Fegafoot, Gabon’s national football federation, which expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the player. The federation issued a statement on social media, remembering Boupendza as a “great striker” who made a lasting impact on Gabonese football, particularly during his performances at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon.
“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 its statement.
“Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN in Cameroon.”
Boupendza’s death has left the Gabonese football community mourning the loss of a talented athlete who made significant contributions to his national team.
The exact circumstances surrounding Boupendza’s fall remain unclear, and authorities in China are investigating the incident. Gabon 24, a broadcaster in Gabon, reported that while the cause of his death has not yet been fully determined, investigations are underway to establish the facts surrounding the tragedy.
In response to the news, Gabon’s president-elect, Brice Oligui Nguema, shared his condolences and praised Boupendza’s contributions to the nation’s football legacy. Nguema described Boupendza as a “talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football.”
“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,” President-elect Nguema posted on social media.
The loss has reverberated beyond Gabon, with fans and fellow athletes across the world expressing their grief over the sudden death of a promising young footballer.
Aaron Boupendza’s career was marked by several successful stints at prominent football clubs across Europe, the Middle East, and more recently, Asia. Born in Moanda, Gabon, Boupendza’s rise in football began when he joined French side Bordeaux in 2016. However, most of his time there was spent on loan at various other French clubs.
In 2020, Boupendza made a significant move to Hatayspor, a Turkish club in the Super Lig, where he truly made a name for himself. During the 2020-2021 season, he finished as the league’s top scorer, a remarkable achievement that earned him widespread recognition.
His impressive form in Turkey led to further moves, including a transfer to Al Arabi in Qatar, where he won the Qatar FA Cup. Boupendza’s next career step took him to Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League, another top football competition, where he continued to showcase his skills.
In addition to his success in the Middle East, Boupendza spent time playing in the United States with FC Cincinnati and in Romania with Rapid Bucharest, before ultimately making his move to Zhejiang FC in China in January 2025. Boupendza had been with the Chinese club for just a few months before his tragic death.
Throughout his career, Boupendza also earned numerous caps for the Gabonese national team, representing his country at major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He made significant contributions to the Gabon national team’s attack, earning the admiration of fans in Gabon and across Africa.
Boupendza’s rise to prominence was seen as a beacon of hope for Gabonese football, a country that has produced several notable players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. As a striker, Boupendza was known for his speed, technical ability, and clinical finishing. His death leaves a void in Gabonese football that will be difficult to fill.
Fegafoot has offered its deepest condolences to Boupendza’s biological family, and the football federation, along with Gabonese fans, will undoubtedly continue to celebrate his legacy in the years to come. The loss of such a talented player has also raised concerns about the well-being of players living abroad, especially given the emotional and psychological pressures they face while away from their home countries.
Boupendza’s tragic passing is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, particularly for those who live under intense public scrutiny, such as professional athletes. His family, friends, and fans will likely continue to mourn the loss of the young man who had so much more to offer both on and off the pitch.
Tributes have poured in from fellow athletes, football clubs, and fans, all of whom are deeply saddened by the untimely death of Aaron Boupendza. Several players from the Gabon national team have shared heartfelt messages, reminiscing about their time spent with the striker.
Many have also expressed disbelief at how a player with such a promising career and bright future could have been taken away so suddenly.
“Rest in peace, Aaron Boupendza. You were an inspiration to all of us,” one fan wrote on social media.
“Your goals and your passion for football will never be forgotten. You will always be in our hearts.”
Boupendza’s tragic death has raised more questions about the mental health and emotional well-being of professional athletes, who often face immense pressure in their careers. His case highlights the need for greater support systems for players, especially those who play in foreign countries far from their families and friends.
As Gabon mourns the loss of one of its brightest football stars, the nation’s football federation and fans will undoubtedly look back at Boupendza’s career with pride. His contributions to the Gabonese national team and his club achievements will remain an integral part of the country’s football history.
