Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang calls time on international football

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his career with Gabon after a turbulent period that followed the Panthers’ disappointing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco.

The former Gabon captain, who is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer, revealed that the treatment he received following the tournament played a major role in his decision to step away from the national team.

Aubameyang’s announcement comes after a difficult period for Gabonese football, with the national team facing significant criticism following their early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The situation escalated earlier this year when the Gabonese government suspended the national team, banned Aubameyang from international activities and dismissed head coach Thierry Mouyouma following the Panthers’ disappointing campaign.

Aubameyang was reportedly singled out amid the backlash over the team’s performance, despite his efforts to represent the country at the tournament.

The veteran striker has now explained that the criticism and treatment he received left him deeply disappointed and ultimately convinced him that it was time to close the chapter on his international career.

Speaking during a television interview, Aubameyang expressed his frustration over what he described as humiliating treatment and damage to his reputation.

“They humiliated me and tarnished my image when I had played at AFCON while injured,” Aubameyang said. “It was the last straw and I’d rather leave it here.”

The comments underline the extent of the frustration felt by the former Gabon skipper, who believes his commitment to the national team was not properly recognised.

Aubameyang has been one of the most important players in Gabonese football history. He has carried the attacking responsibility for the Panthers for more than a decade and became the country’s record goalscorer, while also serving as captain for several years.

His decision represents a major loss for Gabon, particularly given his experience and influence on the international stage.

The striker’s international career has included appearances at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, where he has been one of Gabon’s most recognisable figures.

Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his final international campaign, Aubameyang leaves the national team having established himself as one of the greatest footballers the country has produced.

At club level, the striker continues his career with Deportivo, where he will now focus entirely on his club commitments following his decision to retire from international football.

For Gabon, the challenge will be to move forward without a player who has been central to the Panthers’ attack and identity for many years.

Aubameyang’s retirement also brings an emotional end to a chapter that began with him representing Gabon as a young forward and eventually saw him become the country’s leading scorer and one of its most prominent sporting figures.

His final words suggest that the manner in which his international career was handled, rather than his desire to continue playing football, was ultimately decisive in his decision to walk away.