Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has officially chosen to return to Olympique de Marseille, just one year after his move to Saudi Arabia.
The 36-year-old striker has reached an agreement to rejoin the Ligue 1 side following the termination of his contract with Al-Qadsiah.
The decision marks the end of Aubameyang’s brief tenure in Saudi football. Despite interest from Al-Ettifaq, who were keen to keep the former Gabon international in the Saudi Pro League, Aubameyang opted instead for a return to familiar ground, where he previously enjoyed one of the most prolific campaigns of his career.
The deal with Marseille will see Aubameyang tied to the club until June 2027, offering him a three-year platform to reestablish his influence in European football.
His return is already being heralded as a significant move by the French side, eager to build on recent momentum and challenge more forcefully in both domestic and continental competitions.
Aubameyang’s previous spell at Marseille during the 2023–24 season was widely regarded as a success. He netted an impressive 30 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions, including 10 in the UEFA Europa League, where he finished as the tournament’s top scorer and was also named its best player.
His performances earned him admiration not only from the fans but also from European football observers, who praised his leadership and clinical finishing.
For Marseille, bringing back a proven goalscorer is both a statement of ambition and a move rooted in pragmatism. The club’s management hopes that Aubameyang’s return will reinvigorate the squad and provide the firepower necessary to compete at a higher level.
His experience, combined with his familiarity with the club’s system and culture, positions him as a pivotal figure in Marseille’s future plans.
Aubameyang’s decision also suggests a preference for competitive football over the financial allure of the Saudi league. While offers from the Gulf were reportedly lucrative, the striker appears to have prioritized sporting ambition and the chance to make another impact in Europe.
His choice underlines the growing trend of established players reassessing their career moves after brief stints in emerging football markets.
The forward brings with him a wealth of experience from top European leagues, having previously represented clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, and Barcelona.
With 78 international caps and 35 goals for Gabon, his pedigree is undeniable, and his presence is expected to bolster Marseille’s attacking options significantly.
As pre-season preparations continue, all eyes will be on Aubameyang to see whether he can replicate the form that once made him one of Europe’s most feared strikers.
If his previous Marseille spell is anything to go by, the Stade Vélodrome faithful have every reason to be optimistic.
Marseille’s bold move to re-sign Aubameyang sends a clear signal to both rivals and supporters: the club is not content to settle for past achievements and is aiming to elevate its stature on the European stage.
Whether this gamble pays off will unfold in the months to come, but for now, the return of “Auba” has already injected renewed excitement into the club’s ambitions.
