Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his decision to step away from the national team, saying he felt “humiliated” and that his image was damaged following the fallout from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 37-year-old striker made the announcement during a television interview, bringing an end to his latest spell with the Panthers after more than a decade as one of the country’s leading players.
Aubameyang Blames AFCON Fallout
Aubameyang’s decision comes months after Gabon’s disappointing campaign at AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
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The Panthers finished bottom of their group after losing all three matches. They suffered defeats against Cameroon and Mozambique before a 3-2 loss to Ivory Coast in their final group match.
Aubameyang scored once during the tournament but said he had played despite being injured.
“They humiliated and smeared me even though I played at the AFCON while injured.”
Following Gabon’s early elimination, the government took strong action against the national team.
Acting Sports Minister Simplice-Désiré Mamboula announced the suspension of the team, the dismissal of the coaching staff and the exclusion of Aubameyang and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga.
The government described Gabon’s performance as disappointing, with the measures announced after the 3-2 defeat to Ivory Coast.
Players Were Later Reinstated
The decision to exclude Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga was later reversed.
On 12 January 2026, Gabon’s football federation confirmed that the government had lifted the measures against the national team and reinstated both players.
The coaching staff, however, remained dismissed as the country began looking for a new technical team.
Aubameyang had previously suggested that Gabon’s problems were bigger than any individual player.
“I think the problems of the national team are much deeper than the little person that I am.”
The experience, however, appears to have left a lasting impact on his relationship with the national side.
Focus Shifts To Deportivo
Aubameyang will now concentrate on his club career with Deportivo La Coruña.
The Spanish side confirmed his arrival from Marseille in July, signing him on a contract until June 2028.
He joined after helping Marseille during the 2025/26 season, scoring 10 Ligue 1 goals and providing six assists, as well as contributing in European competition.
Aubameyang is Gabon’s all-time leading scorer and has been one of the most recognisable figures in the country’s football history.
His international departure leaves new Gabon coach Sébastien Migné without the player who has worn the captain’s armband during a significant part of the Panthers’ recent campaigns.
For Aubameyang, the decision marks the end of a difficult chapter with his country.
“It was the last straw, and I prefer to stop here.”
