Former Soccer Player Aaron Boupendza Dead at 28 After Falling Off Balcony in China

“We are saddened to hear of the tragic passing of former FC Cincinnati forward Aaron Boupendza earlier today at his home in China,” Cincinnati said in a statement. “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.”

The 28-year-old only played 24 league matches with Cincinnati, but he left the club with seven goals and two assists, per Major League Soccer. Boupendza went pro in 2017, and played for eight clubs across the globe, including in France, Portugal and Saudi Arabia, per The Athletic. 

Upon hearing of Boupendza’s death, incoming Gabon president Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema also shared a statement of condolences for the soccer player, calling him, “a talented center forward who brought honor to Gabonese football.”