Gabonese international Aaron Boupendza has tragically passed away at the age of 28 after reportedly falling from a building in China.
The forward represented his nation at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) held in Cameroon, earning a total of 35 caps for the national team, known as the Panthers.
In January, he transferred to Chinese club Zhejiang FC, located in Hangzhou, after leaving Romanian team Rapid Bucharest.
Boupendza began his professional journey with CF Mounana in Gabon and subsequently played for clubs in France, Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
The Gabonese football federation (Fegafoot) confirmed his passing via social media.
“Boupendza will be remembered as an exceptional striker who left a lasting impression during the [Afcon] in Cameroon,” the statement read.
“Fegafoot and the entire Gabonese football community extend their heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Among those honoring Boupendza was Gabon’s president-elect, Gen Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, who referred to him as “a gifted centre-forward who brought pride to Gabonese football.”
