Former FC Cincinnati striker Aaron Boupendza has died at the age of 28 after falling from a balcony in China.
According to Turkiye Today, Boupendza – who was playing for Chinese soccer club Zhejiang at the time of his death – fell from his 11th-floor residence at an apartment in the country.
The Gabon international, who played for a host of teams across the globe before his passing, scored a total of 96 goals in 218 career appearances.
He also proved a controversial figure off the field, with reports emerging last year of a potential jail sentence back in his home country of Gabon after a sex tape allegedly involving him surfaced online.
Boupendza’s time with FC Cincinnati also came to an abrupt end in August 2024 after he missed several weeks of practice, forcing the club to terminate his contract.
Just months earlier, he was unable to train for a number of weeks after breaking his jaw during an altercation outside a bar in the city.
Former FC Cincinnati striker Aaron Boupendza has died at 28 after falling from a balcony
It was later revealed that the soccer star was punched by professional boxer Quashawn Toler outside Cincinnati establishment Rusconi Bar & Kitchen, with the injury keeping him out of action for nearly two months.
In 35 appearances, Boupendza scored nine goals for FC Cincinnati and helped the team win the Supporters’ Shield in 2023.
The MLS outfit has confirmed his passing while paying tribute to their former player in a statement.
‘We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China,’ the statement reads. ‘Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and teammates. He was a loved member of the FC Cincinnati family, and we offer our condolences to all who knew him.
‘Rest in Peace, Aaron.’
