Zhejiang FC soccer star Aaron Boupendza has passed away at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of a building in Hangzhou, China on Wednesday.
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Many rumors were circulating online over the death of the Gabon international soccer star, although upon a full investigation (conducting interviews and reviewing camera footage), Hangzhou Police have "ruled out a criminal case."
One of our members lived in China, followed Chinese soccer, and speaks fluent mandarin. He took some time earlier to read some chinese news sources and provided us with some extra context surrounded Boupendza’s passing. pic.twitter.com/8np8kJr6ol
— 5th Line (@5thLineFCC) April 16, 2025
To point out, just hours after Boupendza's passing, Chinese fans were outraged over Zhejiang FC continuing on with their scheduled match vs. Meizhou Hakka (2-2).
In an act of protest, none of the foreign players took the pitch, and the crowd cheered the late soccer star's name during the game.
In the 9th minute of tonight’s match, Zhejiang FC supporters spontaneously chanted Boupendza’s name in Chinese as a heartfelt tribute to him. pic.twitter.com/nGlKG3qzh8
— In Zhejiang (@InZhejiang) April 16, 2025
"Today is not for talking about football," Zhejiang's head coach Raul Caneda Perez told reporters after the draw (via an interpreter). "Football should not be discussed in this context."
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Aaron Boupendza, who once wore the Hatayspor jersey in the Turkish Süper Lig.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, as well as to Zhejiang FC and all who loved him. pic.twitter.com/nbGv9KbP3c
— Fenerbahçe English (@Fenerbahce_EN) April 16, 2025
Notably, while formerly playing in the Turkish Super Lig, as a former member of team Hatayspor, Boupendza was the top goal scorer (22 goals in 36 games) during the 2020-21 season.
In addition, Boupendza's former MLS team, Cincinnati FC, sent out a heartfelt message after the news of his passing broke.
We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China.
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… pic.twitter.com/QvZaOsGDzv
— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) April 16, 2025
Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema also paid tribute to the country's soccer legend.
"It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football."
Aaron Boupendza, who tragically died following a fall from the 11th floor of a building in China, scored one of the finest goals at AFCON2021 v Comoros.
FEGAFOOT: “At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the AFCON in Cameroon (in 2022)” pic.twitter.com/lcYTMKThoU
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) April 17, 2025
Related: 27-Year-Old Soccer Player Juan Izquierdo Passes Away After Collapsing During A Game In Brazil
