Gabon's forward Aaron Boupendza celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Group C Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 football match between Comoros and Gabon at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Jan. 10, 2022. (Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images)
Former Major League Soccer (MLS) striker Aaron Boupendza lost his life following a fall from the 11th floor of a building in China, local authorities said. He was 28 years old.
Boupendza, who played for FC Cincinnati, joined Chinese Super League side Zhejiang FC earlier this year and scored four goals in six games.
The Hangzhou Public Security Bureau received reports of someone falling from a building at 1:14 p.m. local time on Wednesday. The injured individual was taken to a hospital for treatment and later pronounced dead.
The bureau confirmed that Boupendza died after falling from the balcony of his rental home and ruled out foul play.
Zhejiang FC said in a statement that “all the staff of the club express their deepest condolences" to Boupendza's family.
A makeshift memorial site for Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza outside Zhejiang FC's headquarters in Hangzhou, China's eastern Zhejiang province on April 17, 2025. AFP via Getty Images
Despite the tragedy, Zhejiang FC went ahead with their scheduled match against Meizhou Hakka later that day. The decision—and the unrestrained manner in which the team celebrated its two goals—prompted widespread indignation among fans on various social media platforms.
Aaron Salem Boupendza Pozzi began his professional career winning the Gabonese national championship with CF Mounana in 2016. He then went on to play for Bordeaux, France, in 2016.
Boupendza really made a splash when he transferred to the Turkish team Hatayspor, where he became the top scorer in the 2020/21 season with 22 goals in 36 games. During his career he played for a variety of teams, signing with FC Cincinnati in 2023.
His sudden death after joining the Chinese league leaves many football fans and former teammates orphaned.
The Gabonese Soccer League (FEGAFOOT) offered its condolences on social media.
“Aged 28, Boupendza will be remembered as a great striker, who left a lasting impression at the AFCON in Cameroon,” the league wrote.
Gabon's forward Aaron Boupendza (R) fights for the ball with Burkina Faso's defender Steeve Yago during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 round of 16 football match between Burkina Faso and Gabon at Limbe Omnisport Stadium in Limbe on Jan. 23, 2022. Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images
Boudpenza was a famous player in his homeland, playing no less than 35 international matches with Gabon’s national team.
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was shocked to hear the news and referred to Boudpenza on X as “a talented center forward who brought honor to Gabonese football.”
“I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May God bless his soul.”
FC Cincinnati offered their condolences as well.
“He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him,” the team wrote on X.
