Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his retirement from the Gabon national team, declaring that he has been “humiliated and soiled” following the country’s turbulent Africa Cup of Nations campaign. At 37 years old, the historic leading scorer for the Panthères steps away from international football amid an escalating dispute with national football authorities and the government.
Aubameyang Slams Federation After AFCON Fallout
The decision follows a difficult period for the national team that culminated in a group-stage exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Reporting indicates that Gabon bowed out of the tournament after suffering three consecutive defeats in the group phase, including a 3-2 loss against the Ivory Coast. In the wake of that early elimination, government and sporting authorities implemented sweeping measures, dissolving the technical staff, temporarily suspending the national selection, and sidelining prominent veterans Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga.
“They humiliated and soiled me even though I had played the CAN while injured,” Aubameyang stated, adding that the disciplinary fallout marked the breaking point in his international career. “It’s the straw that broke the camel’s back and I prefer to stop there.”
The punitive steps taken against the squad’s senior players immediately sparked intense debate within the country. Responding to the initial sanctions at the time, Aubameyang argued that the structural difficulties plaguing the national setup extended far beyond individual players, noting that the team’s struggles were rooted in much deeper systemic issues.
Impact on Gabon and New Club Focus
Although federation officials later moved to reinstate the veteran forward, the reconciliation ultimately failed to secure his long-term commitment. His departure leaves newly appointed head coach Sébastien Migné facing a formidable rebuilding task. The national team must navigate upcoming qualifying fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations while continuing to cope with the absence of a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
While his international chapter closes on a contentious note, Aubameyang maintains strong form at club level. Following his summer departure from Olympique de Marseille to join Spanish club Deportivo La Coruña, the forward has already netted three goals during his early appearances in Spain.
