GONE TOO SOON

Soccer Star Who Left MLS Under Cloud Dies in Fall From Balcony in China

Aaron Boupendza was playing for the Chinese soccer club Zhejiang.

Aaron Boupendza, the former FC Cincinnati star, died at 28 after falling from a balcony in China, the Turkiye Today reported. Boupendza was in the country playing for the Chinese soccer club Zhejiang when he tragically fell from his 11th-floor residence. The Gabon-born forward had played for a variety of global teams, scoring a total of 96 goals in 218 career appearances. Boupendza’s contract was terminated early by MLS on August 8, 2024, after weeks of absence from training after he broke his jaw during an altercation with a professional boxer outside of a bar earlier that year. The MLS outfit confirmed his passing and paid 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 Instagram post read. “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.”