The sudden death of Gabon international Aaron Boupendza at the age of 28 has been announced by the Gabonese Football Federation (Fegafoot) on April 16, following reports that he had fallen from a building in China.
The striker, who had been playing for Zhejiang FC in Hangzhou since January 2025, was widely recognized for his contributions to the national team, particularly during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, where he scored the decisive goal in Gabon’s victory over Comoros.
Tributes have been paid from across the footballing world, including a message from Gabon’s president-elect, General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who described Boupendza as “a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football.” Over his international career, 35 caps had been earned and Boupendza’s reputation as a dynamic and prolific forward had been firmly established. His professional journey included stints with clubs in France, Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Romania, the United States, and most recently, China.
Boupendza’s passing has left a deep impact on the Gabonese football community, with Fegafoot expressing condolences to his family and remembering him as a standout figure in recent national football history. Known for his powerful presence on the pitch and wide-ranging club experience, his legacy as one of Gabon’s most promising forwards will be remembered with admiration and sorrow.