Who is Aaron Boupendza? Things to know about emerging Gabonese star

Out-and-out goalscorers are not too easy to come by in the world of football.

So, when one bursts onto the scene as a complete unknown, they usually garner a lot of excitement and attention. And that's exactly what's happened in the case of Aaron Boupendza.

The 24-year old has lit up the Turkish Super Lig in his maiden campaign with Hatayspor, who, in their first ever venture into Turkey's top flight, have surpassed all expectation.

Boupendza's influence on their brilliant season is attracting the interest of a host of Premier League clubs and north of the border, and that interest will likely only grow as time goes on.

So, here's everything you need to know about this emerging Gabonese star.

1. He's banging them in for fun

A goal every 93 minutes is what Boupendza is averaging in this season's Super Lig. That type of scoring doesn't go unnoticed.

The striker has notched 18 times - including four in the first half of a 6-0 win over Antalyaspor - in just 26 league games and sits top of the league's scoring charts.

2. He's versatile

Boupendza's preferred position is as the main man up top, and this season he has shown that he is a ruthless finisher inside the penalty area.

However, the Gabonese man has more to his game than that. He has pace in abundance and can impact the game from either flank - indeed, six of his 18 goals this campaign have come from out wide.

The striker can also score all manner of goals, from tap-ins to piledrivers, to sumptuous free kicks like the one above.

3. Brought to Europe by Bordeaux

Bordeaux brought Boupendza over from Gabon back in 2016, signing him to play in their reserve team.

Despite a good return of eight goals in 20 games, the striker was sent out on a series of loans.

His first to Ligue 2 side Pau FC went brilliantly, as he scored 15 times in just 21 matches. However, failed spells at Gazelec Ajaccio, Tours and Portuguese outfit Feirense saw him leave France for Turkey in the summer of 2020, without making a senior appearance for Bordeaux.

4. He doesn't have a long-term contract

Boupendza joined Hatayspor before the start of the 2020/21 season on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.

By this summer the striker will have just 12 months left on his deal, meaning that despite his electric form this campaign, he won't come with a big price tag for potential suitors.

5. He's a winner

His goalscoring form demonstrates his appetite and strong mentality for the game, but the striker also has a title to show for it.

Granted, the Gabon Championnat National Division 1 isn't the highest of heights, but it's a title nonetheless.

At just 19 years of age, Boupendza played an instrumental role in helping CF Mounana - with whom he turned professional - secure their second ever top-flight title in 2015/16.

6. He plays alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Boupendza made his international debut in January 2016 and has since gone on to make 15 appearances for Gabon, making himself a regular in the side.

Along with Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, he represents one of the Panthers' main goal threats, having netted three goals in his 15 caps.

7. FIFA 21 rating

Boupendza was originally given a 61 overall on FIFA 21, but due to his phenomenal form throughout the season, the striker's rating was bumped up in the winter upgrades.

The Hatayspor man's current rating is a respectable, but not overwhelming, 69, with a potential of 74 if you partake in the Career Mode side of things.

With 80 pace, 73 dribbling and just 70 shooting, don't be surprised to see the Gabon star's rating shoot up in FIFA 22 if he continues with his blistering scoring rate.