Gabon and former FC Cincinnati ahead Aaron Boupendza died following a fall from the eleventh ground of a constructing in China, the Gabonese Soccer Federation (FEGAFOOT) mentioned Wednesday. He was 28.
A federation assertion, posted on social community X, did not say when the incident passed off or present particulars.
Boupendza had been taking part in for Zhejiang FC within the Chinese language Tremendous League this 12 months. Zhejiang issued a press release saying Boupendza died at his residence.
“Now the membership is absolutely cooperating with the related departments to hold out the investigation,” the assertion added.
Boupendza joined Main League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati as a delegated participant in summer time 2023 for a reported $7 million switch price. He made a right away impression, scoring 5 objectives in 10 video games to assist the membership win the MLS Supporters’ Protect because the staff with one of the best regular-season file.
However his contract was terminated early in August 2024.
“We’re saddened to listen to of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati ahead Aaron Boupendza earlier right this moment at his house in China,” FC Cincinnati mentioned in a assertion. “Our hearts exit to his household, pals, and family members. He was a cherished member of the FC Cincinnati household, and we provide our condolences to all who knew him.
“Relaxation in Peace, Aaron.”
MLS added in a assertion: “Main League Soccer is saddened by the passing of former FC Cincinnati ahead Aaron Boupendza. We lengthen our deepest condolences to his household, pals, and all who knew and cherished him.”
The Gabon federation mentioned Boupendza could be “remembered as an ideal striker who made his mark through the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon” in 2022. He scored one objective in that event, the winner towards Comoros, and eight in complete for his nation.
“[The Gabonese Football Federation] and the broader Gabonese soccer household supply their honest condolences to his organic household throughout this troublesome time,” the federation mentioned.
Bordeaux, the French staff the place Boupendza performed early in his profession, posted on X that he died “tragically.”
“All our ideas exit to his household, his family members and the complete soccer household,” Bordeaux mentioned.
After taking part in within the decrease tiers of French soccer with Bordeaux’s reserve aspect then Pau, Gazélec Ajaccio and Excursions, Boupendza’s breakthrough season got here with Hatayspor within the Turkish high flight when he scored 22 objectives within the 2020-21 season. Hatayspor additionally expressed its condolences in a publish on X.
The next season, he moved to Qatari membership Al-Arabi then to Riyadh-based Al Shabab within the Saudi Professional League. His profession then took him to MLS with Cincinnati and to Fast Bucharest, earlier than becoming a member of Zhejiang. He had scored 4 league objectives in six video games.
“It’s with nice unhappiness that I realized of the tragic passing of Aaron Boupendza, a gifted middle ahead who introduced honor to Gabonese soccer,” Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema posted on X in French.
“I supply my honest condolences to his household and family members. Could God bless his soul.”
Info from The Related Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
