Aubameyang retires from international football, blasts Gabon over treatment

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his retirement from international football with Gabon, saying he was humiliated and unfairly treated following the country’s disappointing campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 37-year-old striker, who is Gabon’s all-time leading scorer, made the announcement after a controversy that saw him dropped from the national team alongside Bruno Ecuele Manga before later being reinstated.

Aubameyang said the treatment he received after playing at the AFCON while carrying an injury ultimately convinced him to end his international career.

“They humiliated me and tarnished my image when I had played at AFCON while injured,” Aubameyang said during a television interview.

“It was the last straw and I’d rather leave it here.”

Gabon’s AFCON crisis

Gabon endured a disappointing campaign at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, exiting the competition at the group stage after losing all three of their matches.

The Panthers’ final defeat was a 3-2 loss to Ivory Coast, a result that intensified criticism of the team and its management.

Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema subsequently described the situation as a blow to “a part of the national identity.”

The government responded by dissolving the coaching staff and suspending the national team until further notice. Aubameyang and fellow experienced defender Bruno Ecuele Manga were also dropped from the squad.

Aubameyang rejects blame

The decision to single out Aubameyang and Manga generated criticism among supporters, while the striker felt the problems affecting the national team were far deeper than the contribution of individual players.

“I think the national team’s problems run much deeper than the little part that I represent,” he said.

His frustration was compounded by his claim that he had represented Gabon at the AFCON despite being injured.

Although Aubameyang was eventually reinstated, he said the experience had already damaged his relationship with the national team and influenced his decision to walk away.

Aubameyang leaves as Gabon legend

Aubameyang’s retirement brings an end to one of the most significant international careers in Gabonese football.

The striker captained the Panthers for years and became the country’s most recognisable footballer, while also establishing himself as Gabon’s all-time leading goalscorer.

His international career has now ended in controversial circumstances, with Aubameyang expressing disappointment over what he considers unfair treatment after years of representing his country.

The decision leaves new Gabon head coach Sébastien Migné facing the task of rebuilding the national team without one of its most influential players.