'I'm lost for words' - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shares heartbreaking message after death of his international team-mate Aaron Boupendza

The football world is in mourning following news that Boupendza has died at the age of 28 after falling from the 11th floor of an apartment building in China. Boupendza played for Chinese Super League FC side Zhejiang FC after having previously taken in spells with a host of clubs all over the world including Bordeaux, Hatayspor, Al-Shabab, FC Cincinnati and Rapid Bucuresti.

Boupendza also won 35 caps for the Gabon national team, playing with Aubameyang, and scored eight international goals. The Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) paid tribute to Boupendza after his passing in a statement.

FEGAFOOT said: "At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon [in 2022]. Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief spell in Romania. FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his biological family their sincere condolences in this difficult time."

Aubameyang has also sent out a message. He posted a photo of the two embracing on Instagram and the words: "I'm lost for words rest in peace my brother."

Instagram

More tributes have been paid to the former forward. Gabon's president-elect Gen Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema described him as "a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football."

Former club Hatyaspor also paid tribute in a post on X: "We have learned with deep sorrow of the passing of Aaron Boupendza, who wore our Hatayspor jersey in the 2020/21 season and became the top scorer. We extend our condolences and patience to his family and loved ones, to the Zhejiang FC team, and to our community. Rest in peace, king."