Gabon international striker 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. Boupendza was playing for Zhejiang FC in China at the time of his death.

“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 on X. “Aged 28, Boupendza leaves us with the memory of a great striker who left his mark on the CAN (Africa Cup of Nations) in Cameroon.”

Gabonese president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also expressed his condolences on X, calling Boupendza a “talented centre-forward who brought honor to Gabonese football.”

While the exact circumstances surrounding Boupendza’s death remain unclear, broadcaster Gabon 24 reported that an investigation is underway “to establish the facts.”

Born in Moanda, Boupendza began his professional career with French side Bordeaux in 2016. He spent much of his time on loan to other French clubs before joining Turkish side Hatayspor in 2020. He enjoyed a successful season in Turkey, becoming the Super Lig top scorer in 2020–21.

Boupendza subsequently moved to Al Arabi in Qatar, winning the Qatar FA Cup, and later played for Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. He also had spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and in Romania with Rapid Bucharest before joining Zhejiang FC in China in January 2025.

Boupendza represented Gabon at the international level, including at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in 2022, where the Panthers were eliminated in the last 16 by Burkina Faso.

Fegafoot and the Gabonese football community have offered their condolences to Boupendza’s family.

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