Former Major League Soccer forward Aaron Boupendza died after falling from the 11th floor of a building in China on Wednesday, as announced by the Gabonese soccer federation.
Boupendza, a native of Gabon, joined FC Cincinnati during the summer of 2023 for a reported transfer fee of $7 million. Boupendza scored seven goals in 24 appearances before his contract with FC Cincinnati was terminated in August 2024.
After his time with FC Cincinnati, Boupendza joined Rapid București in Bucharest, Romania, for a season before moving to Zhejiang FC in China in 2025, scoring four goals in six appearances.
‘We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China,’ FC Cincinnati said in a statement. ‘Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him.’
Gabon president Brice Oligui Nguema reportedly has personally reached out to express his heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Aaron Boupendza, acknowledging the loss of a talented athlete and a beloved individual.
Aaron Boupendza career
Aaron Boupendza was born in 1996 and was a Gabonese professional soccer player with a career that spanned through multiple leagues. He also represented the Gabon national team.
Some of Boupendza’s achievements include winning the Gabon Championnat National D1 with CF Mounana in 2015, being a top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig during his time with Hatayspor in 2020-2021, winning the Qatar FA Cup with Al Arabi in 2022, and helping FC Cincinnati win the Supporters’ Shield during the 2023 season.