Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang quits after feeling humiliated by Gabon
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has confirmed his retirement from international football with immediate effect, ending a 14‑year spell with Gabon after a humiliating Africa Cup of Nations campaign that saw him dropped from the squad, AFP reported. He made his final appearance in a defeat to Mozambique in December and was omitted entirely in March.
Aubameyang's international record
Aubameyang made his senior debut for Gabon aged 19 in 2009 and has become the nation’s all‑time leading scorer. He recorded 40 goals in 83 caps, a margin that leaves Denis Bouanga, the nearest active challenger, far behind with 16 goals. The forward featured in six Africa Cup of Nations finals, including the December tournament where he played despite a dead‑leg injury, and also represented Gabon at the 2012 Olympics. Born in Laval, France, he was eligible for Spain but followed his father Pierre Aubameyang, a former Gabon captain and later assistant manager and U‑23 coach, by choosing the African nation.
Aubameyang signed a two‑year contract with newly‑promoted LaLiga side Deportivo La Coruna in July. He has opened his spell with three goals in three appearances, helping the club maintain an unbeaten start to the season.
Despite being Gabon’s record scorer, he was omitted from the squad after a disastrous Africa Cup of Nations campaign. He had battled a dead leg to feature at the tournament, but the team’s performance led to his exclusion. He last featured in a defeat to Mozambique in December and was completely left out of the March squad.
Aubameyang's furious statement
In a furious statement, Aubameyang said: “They humiliated me and tarnished my image when I had played at Afcon while injured. This is the last straw and I’d rather leave it here. I think the national team’s problems run much deeper than the little part that I represent.” He confirmed his retirement with immediate effect, adding that the national side’s issues extend beyond his own role.
His retirement comes ahead of Gabon’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, leaving the Panthers without their most prolific scorer. The move also means the national team must find a new focal point for attack.
Aubameyang will continue to lead Deportivo La Coruna’s attack, where his three goals in three games have helped the newly‑promoted side maintain an unbeaten start.