By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
GABON international, Aaron Boupendza, lost his life Wednesday after falling from the 11th storey of a building in China where he played for Zheijang FC. He was 28.
Gabon officials, in a statement through the Fédération Gabonaise de Football, also known as FEGAFOOT, made the announcement.
The federation offered its condolences to his family, noting that Boupendza will be “remembered as a great striker who made his mark during the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon.”
According to Zheijang FC on Instagram, Boupendza passed away at his residence.
“At present, the club is fully cooperating with the relevant departments in the investigation,” the team said.
Stonix News reports that Boupendza had 35 international appearances on Gabon’s national team, scoring eight goals since 2016, according to a profile page on a website tracking national soccer team players.
But he also had a long career playing for teams all over the world. Boupendza played for clubs in France, Turkey, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, the United States and Saudi Arabia.
Aaron Boupendza
He left FC Cincinnati last year and played briefly in Romania before he eventually landed at Zheijang FC in China’s Super League.
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Shabab FC transferred him to FC Cincinnati in 2023, according to his Major League Soccer biography. He scored 13 goals in 20 matches at the Saudi Arabian club.
Boupendza then signed a contract to play for FC Cincinnati through 2025 with options for extensions in 2026 and 2027, but his contract was terminated in August.
The team gave no reason for his termination, but Boupendza’s time at the MLS team was marred with off-the-field issues.
He missed several weeks recovering from a broken jaw that occurred during an assault at a bar and kitchen at 2 a.m. in April 2024.
FC Cincinnati said on Instagram that it was saddened by the news of his death.
“Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones,” the club said. “He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him.”
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