FIFA has officially ended its inquiry into the contentious transfer of Aaron Boupendza to Rapid Bucharest, citing the player’s death as the determining factor in halting proceedings.
The 28-year-old Gabonese international striker died on 16 April 2025 in Zhejiang, China, after falling from the 11th floor of a residential apartment building.
His passing sent shockwaves through the footballing community, particularly in Gabon, where Boupendza had long been regarded as one of the national team’s brightest talents.
Chinese authorities, responding promptly to the scene, ruled out any criminal involvement. “Following a thorough investigation, including video analysis and on-site assessments, we have concluded that the individual fell from the balcony of a rented apartment.
No foul play is suspected,” a statement from local police read. Although the precise cause has not been publicly confirmed, suicide remains the leading theory.
Boupendza’s football journey began with CF Mounana in Gabon before he moved to France in 2016 to join Bordeaux.
He went on to play in several countries, including Turkey, where he had a standout season with Hatayspor in 2020–21, netting 22 goals in the Süper Lig.
His career later included spells in Romania with Rapid Bucharest and in the United States with FC Cincinnati.
At the time of his death, Boupendza was at the centre of a legal dispute involving Egyptian club Zamalek. Following his departure from FC Cincinnati, the striker had reportedly agreed to join Zamalek and was granted his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) by the United States Soccer Federation.
His signing was formally announced by the Cairo-based club on 8 September 2024.
However, in an unexpected development, just five days later, Boupendza signed with Rapid Bucharest instead.
The abrupt reversal infuriated Zamalek, who filed a complaint with FIFA, claiming breach of contract and seeking over €2.5 million in damages.
FIFA began investigating the matter but has now communicated to Zamalek that the case will not proceed further due to the player’s untimely death.
According to Egyptian media reports, the global football governing body formally notified the club that the matter was closed.
The conclusion of the case leaves Zamalek without recourse, as FIFA is not expected to pursue financial or contractual claims against a deceased player.
The decision, while legally understandable, has reportedly left the Egyptian side frustrated by the unresolved financial implications of the failed transfer.
For Boupendza, it marks a deeply sorrowful end to a life and career defined by resilience. Despite frequent moves across clubs and continents, the striker earned 34 caps for Gabon and scored eight goals for the national team.
His story was one of perseverance, marked by moments of brilliance, particularly during his tenure in Turkey, where he enjoyed the best form of his club career.
His sudden death has cast a long shadow over the footballing world, cutting short a career that had seen both promise and controversy.
As FIFA draws a line under the final chapter of his professional journey, the football community continues to mourn the loss of a talented player gone far too soon.
