Gabon striker Aaron Boupendza has tragically died at the age of 28, the team’s federation has confirmed.
He died from falling from an 11th floor window while playing in China for Zhejiang FC, as per Reuters.
GettyBoupendza played for 11 different clubs before his untimely death[/caption]
In a statement, the Gabon football federation, FEGAFOOT, said: “At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon (in 2022).
“Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief spell in Romania.
“FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his biological family their sincere condolences in this difficult time.”
Gabon president Brice Oligui Nguema had first announced the news, saying: “It is with great sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese soccer.”
Boupendza played 35 games overall for Gabon’s senior side, scoring eight times, often partnering former Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front.
Aubameyang wrote on Instagram: “I’m lost for words, rest easy brother.”
His most famous international goal came in the COVID-delayed 2021 AFCON where he scored a winner against Comoros to get his country out of the group stage for just the third time in their history.
Boupendza also played 35 times for FC Cincinnati in the MLS where he scored nine goals.
His best goal return came in the Turkish Super Lig with Hatayspor where he scored 22 times in 37 games.
The Moanda-born marksmen had a nomadic career, playing in France, Portugal, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the US, Romania and finally China.
@AubaAubameyang paid tribute to his strike partner[/caption]
His club teammates include former Barcelona duo Malcom and Rafinha, while he also starred alongside international regulars in Argentina’s Ever Banega and Denmark’s Martin Martin Braithwaite.
Another at international level was former Southampton and Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina who wrote on social media: “Rest in peace Aaron. You were a very talented, very cheerful person. God is great and knows your heart.
“Today, my anger is very great. I hope that those who call themselves brothers, friends or others and give you advice in this direction will at least go to your mother and father and sincerely ask for forgiveness. Because today we all feel the feeling of guilt.
“May your soul rest in peace, may God ease the hearts of your family and those who truly want your well-being.”
