Aubameyang: They insulted me and tarnished my reputation after my sacrifice

Gabon star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang announced on Tuesday that he has quit representing his country’s national football team, saying he was “humiliated” by being left out and then returning to the team after failing to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Gabon’s leader said in a television interview on Tuesday: “They insulted me and tarnished my reputation, even though I played injured at the Africa Cup of Nations.”
He added: “That was the straw that broke the camel’s back and I’d rather stop there.”
The Cheetahs’ all-time top scorer with 40 goals in 83 internationals is still bitter after the Gabonese government held him responsible for their failure to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
Gabon crashed out of the tournament in the group stage after three consecutive defeats, the last of which was 2-3 against Ivory Coast.
Gabonese President Brice Cloutier Oleg Nguema commented at the time, saying: “Part of the national identity is in danger of being weakened.”
In response, the government decided to sack the technical staff and suspend the national team until further notice, in addition to excluding Aubameyang (37) and Bruno Ekweli Manga (38).
The suspension of these two veteran captains from the national team caused a wave of discontent among Gabonese fans.
The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Saudi Arabia player said at the time: “I believe the team’s problems are much deeper than my humble personality.”
Aubameyang had earlier retired from international football in 2022, before later reversing the decision.
The Gabonese striker faces a challenge that could be his last in Europe after he left Marseille for a second time to join Deportivo La Coruna, who have returned to Spain’s first division after years of suffering.
He has scored three goals in his new team so far.
Gabon’s new French coach Sebastien Minet will be without his captain as he prepares for the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
After missing out on the 2026 World Cup, the Cheetahs will look to qualify for the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to be held in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17.