Pierre Emerick Aubameyang has announced his retirement from international football after a major breakdown in his relationship with the Gabonese football authorities.
The Gabon captain and all time leading goalscorer says he felt humiliated by the treatment he received after the country’s disappointing campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Aubameyang made the decision public during a television interview per beIN Sports. The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker spoke openly about the events that led to his decision.
‘They humiliated me and tarnished my image when I played in the Africa Cup of Nations while injured. It was the last straw, and I prefer to leave it at that.’
The 37 year old has been one of the most important figures in Gabonese football for more than a decade. He also became the face of the national team during his successful club career across Europe.
However, relations between Aubameyang and the country’s football hierarchy deteriorated after Gabon endured a disastrous AFCON campaign in Morocco.
Aubameyang Blames Deeper Problems for Gabon Decline
Gabon failed to collect a single point during the tournament. The Panthers lost all three of their group matches, including a 3 2 defeat against Ivory Coast in their final game.
The poor campaign sparked strong criticism at home. It also prompted direct intervention from the Gabonese government as officials sought major changes within the national team.
Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema expressed concern about the state of the team and argued that football represented an important part of the country’s national identity.
The government subsequently dissolved the entire technical staff and suspended the national team until further notice. Officials also removed Aubameyang and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga from the squad.
Aubameyang faced particular scrutiny despite his long record of service to Gabon. He has scored 40 goals in 83 appearances for the national team, making him the country’s leading goalscorer.
The striker, however, believes the problems affecting Gabonese football go far beyond one player. He argues that concentrating on his performances or conduct distracts from deeper structural issues within the national team.
‘I think the national team’s problems run much deeper than the insignificant role I play.’
Aubameyang’s international retirement now brings an end to one of the most significant careers in Gabonese football history.
The striker represented Gabon at major international tournaments and carried much of the team’s attacking responsibility for years. His goals also helped establish him as one of the country’s most recognisable sporting figures.
His decision follows months of growing tension between the veteran forward and the authorities. The events surrounding the 2025 AFCON campaign ultimately proved to be the breaking point.
For Gabon, Aubameyang’s departure leaves a major void in both experience and leadership. The Panthers must now look towards a new generation as they attempt to rebuild the national team.
For Aubameyang, meanwhile, the decision marks the end of his international journey. Despite the controversy surrounding his final months with Gabon, his contribution remains a major part of the country’s football history.
