Football fans across China have expressed deep anger and disbelief after Zhejiang FC proceeded with a Chinese Super League match just hours after the sudden death of striker Aaron Boupendza.
The 28-year-old Gabon international tragically passed away on Wednesday afternoon after falling from the 11th floor of a building in Hangzhou. Local police later confirmed his death and ruled out foul play following an investigation involving witness interviews and video footage.
Despite the devastating news, Zhejiang FC went ahead with their home fixture against Meizhou Hakka that same evening—sparking widespread condemnation and sorrow among fans and commentators.
“Shouldn’t this match have been postponed?” one user asked on the Chinese social platform Weibo. Another comment on WeChat described the decision as “amateur,” questioning the professionalism of the league.
The match, which ended in a 2-2 draw, was played in a somber atmosphere. None of Zhejiang's other foreign players featured, and the stands were filled with grief-stricken fans who chanted Boupendza’s name, raised his jersey, and lit up the stadium with phone flashlights in tribute.
At the final whistle, the players and coaching staff approached the crowd, many visibly emotional, joining supporters in a moment of mourning.
Club captain Cheng Jin was unable to hold back his emotions during a post-match interview. “I’m sorry,” he said, struggling to speak. “It’s not that I don’t respect you. I just don’t have anything I want to say right now.”
Zhejiang head coach Raul Caneda Perez echoed the sentiment in his post-match press conference. “Today is not for talking about football,” he said solemnly through a translator. “There’s nothing to say about the game.”
Police confirmed they were called to the scene at 1:14 p.m. on Wednesday. Boupendza was rushed to hospital but could not be revived.
Zhejiang FC issued a statement after the match, saying they were “fully cooperating with the relevant authorities” and extended “deepest condolences” to Boupendza’s family.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) also released a statement on Thursday, expressing sadness over the striker’s passing and emphasizing the league's commitment to the mental and physical well-being of players. “Foreign footballers are a vital part of the development of Chinese professional football,” the CFA said.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. Gabon’s Football Association announced Boupendza’s passing on social media, remembering him as “a great striker.” Gabon’s president-elect Brice Oligui Nguema also posted his condolences, saying: “It is with immense sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese football.”
Boupendza, known for his powerful presence up front, joined Zhejiang in 2024 and had quickly become a fan favorite.
His untimely death has left a lasting impact—not just on the club, but on football communities in China, Gabon, and beyond.