The soccer community is mourning the loss of a player who was beloved worldwide.
Aaron Boupendza, a professional soccer player who signed with Zhejiang FC earlier this year and has also played for Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati, died after falling from an 11th floor balcony of a building in China, Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) told Reuters April 16. He was 28.
“FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his family their sincere condolences in this difficult time,” FEGAFOOT said in a statement, per Reuters. “At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon [in 2022].”
Boupendza, who hailed from Gabon, was ranked the 13th forward in the Zhejiang league just months after being terminated from his four-year contract with FC Cincinnati in August. Although the aforementioned football club cut his time on their team short due to him missing a week of practice, per The Athletic, they also shared their condolences for the tragic loss of their former player.
“We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China,” Cincinnati said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and teammates. He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him.”
The 28-year-old only played 24 league matches with Cincinnati, but he left the club with seven goals and two assists, per Major League Soccer. Boupendza went pro in 2017, and played for eight clubs across the globe, including in France, Portugal and Saudi Arabia, per The Athletic.
Upon hearing of Boupendza’s death, incoming Gabon president Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema also shared a statement of condolences for the soccer player, calling him, “a talented center forward who brought honor to Gabonese football.”
Nguema continued in his April 16 statement, “I offer my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. May God bless his soul.”
E! News has reached out to a rep for Boupendza regarding his death, but has not yet heard back. Authorities have not yet released the footballer’s exact cause of death.
