Gabon captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his decision to step back from international football, saying he felt “humiliated” by his exclusion from the national team and his subsequent reinstatement following Gabon’s disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.
“They humiliated me and tarnished my image even though I played at the AFCON while injured,” the veteran striker said in an interview. “That was the final straw, and I prefer to stop here.”
The decision brings another difficult chapter to an already turbulent period for the Gabon national team. Aubameyang, the Panthers’ all-time leading scorer, was previously singled out as one of the main figures responsible for the team’s failure at the 2025 AFCON.
Gabon were eliminated in the group stage after losing all three of their matches, including a 3-2 defeat to Côte d’Ivoire. President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema described the failure as a blow to the country’s national identity.
Aubameyang hits back
In the aftermath of the tournament, the Gabonese government dissolved the national team’s coaching staff and suspended the team until further notice.
Aubameyang and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga were also temporarily removed from the national setup. The decision to sideline the two experienced players sparked strong reactions among Gabonese supporters.
Aubameyang himself questioned the focus placed on individual players.
“I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the small person that I am,” he said at the time.
His latest decision appears to bring an end to his international career, at least for the foreseeable future, after years as the face and captain of the Panthers.
A new challenge in Spain
At 37, Aubameyang has embarked on what could be his final European challenge. After leaving Marseille for the second time, the Gabonese striker joined Deportivo La Coruña, who have returned to Spain’s top flight after a long absence.
He has already made an impact, scoring three goals for his new club.
His decision to step back from the national team now leaves new Gabon coach Sébastien Migné with a major challenge as the Panthers prepare for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Gabon failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and will now focus on securing a place at the next AFCON, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
Aubameyang’s absence will leave a significant void in a Gabon side that has relied heavily on its captain and record goalscorer for more than a decade.
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