Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hits three in three as Deportivo return to La Liga

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored in each of Deportivo La Coruna’s first three La Liga matches since returning to Spain’s top flight, strengthening his status as the club’s attacking leader while uncertainty continues over his future with Gabon.

Deportivo’s promotion after an eight-season absence was followed by an ambitious transfer campaign. Rather than simply aiming to survive among Spain’s elite, the Galician club invested more than €25m in 10 signings and reshaped its squad for the demands of the division.

The recruitment strategy combined promising young players, additions capable of making an immediate impact and experienced names intended to raise the standard of a group facing a significantly higher level of competition.

Aubameyang was the headline arrival. The 37-year-old Gabon striker joined with a career that has taken him to several of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barca and Chelsea. So far, he has delivered precisely what Deportivo hoped for: three goals in three league appearances, with one in every match played by the club.

Only Elicegui, Rabade, Bebeto and Auba have scored in each of their first three consecutive top-flight matches for Deportivo during the club’s 120-year history.

Aubameyang opened his account in the 21st minute of his first appearance against Elche, although Deportivo were held to a 1-1 draw after taking the lead. He struck again in the second round of fixtures against Malaga, putting the visitors ahead before the home side levelled from the penalty spot.

The club’s first victory arrived in the third match, when Deportivo defeated Valencia 3-1 at Riazor. Aubameyang was again on target, completing a productive opening to the campaign and helping the side finally turn a winning position into three points after two previous draws in which they had led.

His contribution extends beyond the three goals. Aubameyang arrived with a proven record at the highest level, having finished as the Bundesliga’s leading scorer in 2016/17 with 31 goals. He also shared the Premier League Golden Boot in 2018/19 after scoring 22 times, alongside Salah and Mane.

The forward has built much of his reputation on his pace, movement in behind defences and composure inside the penalty area. Age was inevitably a consideration when Deportivo decided to sign him, but his recent record suggested he still had plenty to offer.

In the 2025/26 season with Marseille, Aubameyang scored 14 goals and supplied nine assists before swapping France for a return to Spain. At Deportivo, he was recruited to provide goals and, after three league games, that is exactly what he has done.

His form has also renewed calls for him to reconsider his international retirement. Aubameyang recently announced his decision to end his Gabon career after being suspended following the most recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Gabon manager Sebastien Migne hopes the striker will eventually return to the national team and believes he could be offered an appropriate farewell.

«On peut lui offrir la plus belle des sorties et il le merite vu son exceptionnelle carriere», Migne said, as reported by L’Equipe.

He added: « Je ne veux pas juger ce qu’il s’est passe, j’arrive tout juste et son debut de saison confirme qu’il a encore beaucoup a donner. Il se concentre sur son club et je le comprends. Un retour immediat serait peut-etre trop rapide mais en novembre, ce serait judicieux de tout remettre en place… »

Migne also appealed to Aubameyang’s sense of responsibility and experience within the squad.

«Je lui propose un partage d’emotions. On ne sera pas garanti de gagner les matches mais on aura des grands moments.(…)Les portes sont ouvertes, la balle est dans son camp et je suis la aussi pour le proteger.Et j’ai besoin d’un grand frere pour les joueurs et aussi d’un chef de troupe. »

The decision now rests with Aubameyang, whose impressive start with Deportivo has given Gabon further reason to hope that their leading striker will return to international football.