Tragic news from China this week, as it has been revealed that, Aaron Boupendza, who played as a striker for FC Cincinnati, has died.
The Gabon international was playing for Chinese side, Zhejiang FC, at the time of his death, where he had scored 4 goals in his first 6 appearances. It was a promising start to his first campaign in China, cut short
Although specific details have been kept under wraps for the time being, it has been reported that Boupendza was killed after a fall. He was at his 11th floor apartment in Hangzhou spending some time on his balcony, and somehow fell over the barrier, plummeting to his death.
His brother was reportedly with him in his apartment, and the two had been arguing, but there is no suggestion so far that his death was caused by anybody else.
Boupendza’s Time in MLS
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
Getting his start in the lower French leagues and with the Bordeaux B team, Boupendza’s career took off when he moved to Turkey’s top flight.
Signing for Hatayspor in 2020, Boupendza had his most successful season ever, scoring 22 goals in 36 games and finishing as the Süper Lig’s top scorer, winning the Golden Boot.
This captured the attention of several clubs, and with Hatayspor wanting to cash in and Boupendza all too happy to move for a salary bump, he transferred to the Qatar Stars League and then the Saudi Pro League a season later. After one season in each country, FC Cincinnati came calling, and Boupendza joined the Orange and Blue for the second half of the 2023 season, playing 18 times and scoring 6 goals.
This was their Supporter’s Shield winning campaign, so he was part of the club for their most successful season ever. He is also remember for his stoppage time goal against Charlotte FC in the Queen City Derby, rescuing a point and turning an away loss into a draw. The fans enjoyed singing “Boop! There it is”, whenever he scored.
Things went South for him after that season, with off-field issues impacting his on-field performances, and in 2024 he was on his way again, spending a season in Romania before finally transferring to Zhejiang FC earlier this year.
A Controversial Figure
Despite his success on the pitch, trouble seemed to follow Boupendza. Indeed, it was trouble off the pitch that led to his early exit from Major League Soccer.
He only played for the club for 13 months, but in that time he was hit by scandal on three separate occasions:
- Suspension – Suspended for 1 game for returning late from international duty
- Sex Tape – He was in trouble for circulating a sex tape, although he claimed he phone was stolen as part of a blackmail plot
- Street Fight – His jaw was broken in a fight with a boxer outside a bar, side lining him for several months
His second season at FC Cincinnati wasn’t exactly going to plan anyway, with just 3 goals in 17 appearances in all competitions, but combined with the off field issues the club really weren’t happy.
He was absent from training for a few weeks before his MLS contract was terminated early, citing failure to fulfil contractual obligations.
Nevertheless, he was part of the team that won the club’s only trophy so far, the 2023 Supporter’s Shield, and the fans will always remember him for that.