Tragic Disappearance of Aaron Salem Boupendza in China at Only 28 Years Old

The Gabonese forward Aaron Boupendza celebrating a goal in the colors of Zhejiang FC during a match in 2025

The football world is in mourning following the tragic death of Aaron Salem Boupendza Pozzi, which occurred on April 16, 2025, in Hangzhou, China, at the age of 28. The Gabonese forward, who played for Zhejiang FC, reportedly fell to his death from the eleventh floor of his building. Chinese authorities have launched an investigation to clarify this tragedy. They are not ruling out any possible hypothesis, including an accident, a voluntary act, or a criminal cause.

With a smile on his face and cleats in hand, Aaron greeted life as he greeted his teammates: with infectious energy. That day, he had just scored... but more importantly, he was making the entire locker room laugh.
With a smile on his face and cleats in hand, Aaron greeted life as he greeted his teammates: with infectious energy. That day, he had just scored… but more importantly, he was making the entire locker room laugh.

A Journey Marked by Resilience and Talent

Born on August 7, 1996, in Moanda, Gabon, Aaron Boupendza began his professional career at CF Mounana, winning the national championship during the 2015-2016 season. In 2016, he joined Girondins de Bordeaux. However, he did not manage to establish himself in the first team. Consequently, he was loaned several times in France, Portugal, and Romania. It was in Turkey, with Hatayspor, that he truly emerged, finishing as the top scorer of the Süper Lig in the 2020-2021 season with 22 goals.

Subsequently, he played in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and then in Major League Soccer with FC Cincinnati, where he contributed to winning the Supporters’ Shield. After a stint at Rapid Bucharest, he signed with Zhejiang FC in China in January 2025, quickly scoring several goals and demonstrating his offensive effectiveness.

On that field in Qatar, he scored an unforgettable double. But what is remembered is the way he ran towards the bench, hand on his heart, to dedicate his goals to his mother, who stayed in Moanda.
On that field in Qatar, he scored an unforgettable double. But what is remembered is the way he ran towards the bench, hand on his heart, to dedicate his goals to his mother, who stayed in Moanda.

A Respected Gabonese International

On the international stage, Aaron Boupendza earned 34 caps with the Gabon national team, scoring 8 goals. He stood out during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. Indeed, he scored a decisive goal for his country. His commitment and performances made him a rising figure in Gabonese football.

In Cincinnati, he treated each training session like a theater performance. A strike, a pirouette, a wink at the camera. He often said,
In Cincinnati, he treated each training session like a theater performance. A strike, a pirouette, a wink at the camera. He often said, “I play so that children laugh and dream.”

Tributes and Emotion

The Gabonese Football Federation expressed its deep sadness, recalling Boupendza’s major role in promoting national football. The President of the Gabonese Republic, Brice Oligui Nguema, paid tribute to him, considering him a true ambassador of Gabonese sport. Numerous messages of support and tributes have poured in on social media. Indeed, they come from fans, former teammates, and personalities from the football world.

A frozen moment of collective celebration, in the middle of the field. Aaron had just secured the victory for his team. That evening, he sent a message to a former coach:
A frozen moment of collective celebration, in the middle of the field. Aaron had just secured the victory for his team. That evening, he sent a message to a former coach: “Thank you for your patience. I haven’t forgotten anything.”

An Ongoing Investigation

Despite the opening of an official investigation in China, the precise circumstances of the fall remain unclear. Authorities are not ruling out any hypothesis. Indeed, this includes an accident, a voluntary act, or a criminal cause. This situation has sparked strong emotions among those who knew the player and in the football world in general.

The Memory of Such a Promising Player

Aaron Boupendza was known for his powerful striking ability and his formidable efficiency in front of the goal, inspiring many young footballers in Gabon and Africa. Off the field, he displayed a combative spirit. Moreover, he possessed a sincere humility and was adept at building relationships. Indeed, he easily established connections with his teammates. His journey is marked by periods of adversity. However, it also includes brilliant successes. He continues to inspire many football hopefuls beyond borders.