Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has officially ended his international career with Gabon after more than a decade representing the national team, bringing a bitter conclusion to his time with the Pantheres du Gabon.
The 37-year-old forward, the country’s all-time leading scorer and an iconic captain, announced his decision amid intense tension with Gabon’s sporting authorities. His departure removes the biggest star from the national side and leaves the team without its undisputed dressing-room leader.
Aubameyang said his decision followed deep disagreements and a strong sense of injustice over the way he had been treated. He criticised the authorities for what he considered a lack of respect for the sacrifices he had made while playing for his country.
“They humiliated and smeared me even though I had played in the Africa Cup of Nations while injured. That was the final straw and I prefer to stop here,” Aubameyang said.
His comments point to the anger behind an announcement that marks a definitive break with the Gabon set-up. The striker believes the treatment he received failed to reflect his commitment to the national team, including his decision to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations despite being injured.
That experience, described by Aubameyang as the moment that pushed him beyond the limit, ultimately led him to draw a line under his international career. His decision comes after a period of disagreement with the country’s football authorities, with the player expressing his frustration openly rather than leaving the matter unresolved.
Gabon now faces the loss of a figure who has been central to its football identity for more than a decade. Aubameyang’s influence extended beyond his goals: as captain, he represented the team’s most prominent leadership presence and was the leading figure in its dressing room.
The end of his international career is therefore a major moment for Gabonese football. The Pantheres du Gabon lose both their most recognisable player and the leading scorer in their history, while Aubameyang leaves the national side under circumstances far removed from the stature of his contribution.
Despite the acrimonious nature of his exit, Aubameyang’s record and standing ensure that his legacy will remain significant. His years in the national shirt, his role as captain and his status as Gabon’s all-time top scorer have established an enduring place for him in the country’s sporting history.
The announcement closes a major chapter for both player and nation. Aubameyang leaves the selection after a long period of service, but the dispute surrounding his departure means his final decision will be remembered alongside the achievements that made him one of Gabon’s greatest footballers.