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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
from Wikipedia

Pierre-Emerick Emiliano François Aubameyang ONM (born 18 June 1989) is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for Ligue 1 club Marseille and captains the Gabon national team.

Key Information

Aubameyang began his senior club career by signing for AC Milan in Italy, but never made an appearance for the club, instead going on a series of loan spells in France. He transferred to Saint-Étienne in 2011. There he won a Coupe de la Ligue title, subsequently joining Borussia Dortmund in 2013.[5] In Germany, Aubameyang finished as the league's top goalscorer in the 2016–17 season and won a DFB-Pokal. He also ranks as the club's eighth-highest all-time goalscorer. In 2018, Aubameyang was the subject of a then–club record association football transfer when he signed for Arsenal in a move worth £56 million (€60 million), making him the most expensive Gabonese player of all time.[6] With Arsenal, he won an FA Cup and finished as the league's joint-top goalscorer in the 2018–19 season.[7] After leaving Arsenal in 2022, Aubameyang had spells with Barcelona and Chelsea before signing for Marseille in 2023. In 2024, he joined Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, where he spent a single season, returning to Marseille the next summer.

Born in France, Aubameyang chose to represent Gabon at international level, making his senior debut in 2009 at the age of 19; with 35 goals, he is the nation's all-time top scorer. He represented Gabon at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the 2012 Summer Olympics. In 2015, he was named African Footballer of the Year; the first Gabonese and second European-born player to win the award.[8]

Club career

[edit]

AC Milan

[edit]

"My role model? Ronaldo... I think [he] has revolutionised football with his way of playing. He was dynamic, technically strong and fast. He was an enormous player."

—Aubameyang on the influence of his idol, Brazilian striker Ronaldo, on his own career.[9]

Aubameyang joined AC Milan's youth academy in January 2007. In August, he was part of the squad that finished fourth in the inaugural Champions Youth Cup held in Malaysia, where he made a name for himself and attracted the attention of scouts internationally. He scored against every opponent Milan played, finishing with seven goals in six matches.[10]

2008–09: Loan to Dijon

[edit]

For the 2008–09 season, Aubameyang was loaned out to Dijon of Ligue 2 in France to gain first-team experience.[11] His performances there led him to appear in World Soccer's Talent Scout section in the summer of 2009.[12] He finished with a total of ten goals and two assists in all competitions, including two goals in a Coupe de France tie against Selongey.[13]

2009–10: Loan to Lille

[edit]

On 24 June 2009, it was announced Ligue 1 club Lille had decided to sign Aubameyang on loan.[14] Relative to his previous season, however, Aubameyang did not perform as well, scoring just two goals in 14 appearances, four as a starter.[citation needed]

2010–11: Loans to Monaco and Saint-Étienne

[edit]

For the 2010–11 season, Aubameyang was loaned for the season to Monaco. On 21 August 2010, he scored his first goal for Monaco in an away match against Lens, then scored again on 29 August at home to Auxerre, where Monaco won 2–0.[15] In January 2011, after six months with the club, Aubameyang was loaned to Saint-Étienne until the end of the 2010–11 season, finishing the season with four goals and three assists. In July 2011, the loan was extended for the entire 2011–12 season.[citation needed]

Saint-Étienne

[edit]

On 22 December 2011, Aubameyang signed with Saint-Étienne on a permanent deal. He was quickly added to the starting lineup and was given the number 7 jersey. In February 2012, he scored his first hat-trick against Lorient. He became an integral part of the squad, scoring half of the team's away goals during the season, and went on to be Ligue 1's 4th top scorer having scored 16 goals behind Montpellier's Olivier Giroud with 21, PSG's Nenê with 21 too and Lille's Eden Hazard with 20.

On 20 April 2013, Aubameyang was in the starting line-up for Saint-Étienne in the 2013 Coupe de la Ligue Final. Les Verts won the match 1–0 with a goal from Brandão to give Aubameyang his first major trophy as a professional footballer. He finished the season with 18 goals and seven assists in all competitions.[citation needed]

In the 2012–13 season, Aubameyang ended second in the competition's top-goalscorers list, scoring 19 goals and finishing behind only Zlatan Ibrahimović. From his 37 appearances, he also provided eight assists. The season was widely regarded as his breakout year—he appeared in the Ligue 1 team of the season and he won the Ligue 1 African Player of the Year award.[16]

Borussia Dortmund

[edit]

2013–15: DFL Supercups

[edit]

On 4 July 2013, Aubameyang joined 2012–13 Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract.[17] He made his competitive debut for his new club on 27 July 2013 against Bayern Munich in the DFL-Supercup, replacing Jakub Błaszczykowski for the last 18 minutes of Dortmund's 4–2 victory, assisting Dortmund's final goal, scored by Marco Reus.[citation needed] On 10 August, Aubameyang made his Bundesliga debut and scored a hat-trick against FC Augsburg, including a goal from his first shot in the league. In the process, Aubameyang also became the first Gabonese player to appear in the Bundesliga.[18] On 27 November, he scored his first Champions League goal in a 3–1 win against Napoli in the group stage of the 2013–14 competition.[19] He later took a penalty against 1860 Munich that propelled Dortmund into the next round of the 2013–14 DFB-Pokal, finishing the year with 13 league goals and 16 goals in all competitions.[citation needed]

Aubameyang (left) playing for Borussia Dortmund in 2014

On 13 August 2014, Aubameyang assisted Borussia Dortmund's first goal and scored the second goal in a 2–0 victory over Bayern Munich in the DFL-Supercup.[20] After scoring the goal, he celebrated by putting on a Spider-Man mask.[20] In Dortmund's next match, a 4–1 win over Stuttgarter Kickers in the first round of the DFB-Pokal, Aubameyang scored two second-half goals and provided the assist for Adrián Ramos' goal.[21] On 13 September, Aubameyang scored his first Bundesliga goal of the season, netting Dortmund's final goal of their 3–1 win over SC Freiburg.[22] Three days later, Aubameyang scored Dortmund's second goal in a 2–0 win over future club Arsenal in the first group match of the Champions League.[23]

Aubameyang ended his second season in Dortmund with 25 goals from 46 appearances, including one in the 2015 DFB-Pokal Final, where Dortmund were defeated 3–1 by VfL Wolfsburg at the Olympiastadion.[24]

2015–16: League runner-up

[edit]

On 31 July 2015, Aubameyang signed a new contract to last until 2020, saying, "Every part of me wants to be here and I have never wanted to leave."[25] On 20 August, he scored a brace as Dortmund came from 0–3 down to win 3–4 at Odds BK in the first leg of their Europa League play-off.[26] By scoring in Dortmund's 1–1 draw with 1899 Hoffenheim on 23 September, Aubameyang became the first player in Bundesliga history to score in each of his team's opening six matches of a season.[27] He later extended this record to eight matches, scoring in the team's next two fixtures against Darmstadt 98 and Bayern Munich, before failing to score for the first time in the Bundesliga season in a 2–0 win at Mainz 05.[28]

On 22 October, Aubameyang scored a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League match against Gabala of Azerbaijan.[29] Three days later, he scored another hat-trick in a 5–1 defeat of Augsburg at the Westfalenstadion.[30] On 8 November, Aubameyang scored the winning goal for Dortmund in a 3–2 Revierderby victory over rivals FC Schalke 04.[31] At the halfway stage of the Bundesliga season, Aubameyang was the league's top scorer with 18 goals from 17 appearances.[32]

On 30 January 2016, Aubameyang scored his 19th and 20th league goals of the season to give Dortmund a 2–0 home victory over FC Ingolstadt.[33] Aubameyang reached 30 goals in all competitions in a 3–1 victory over VfB Stuttgart in the quarter-final of the 2015–16 DFB-Pokal. In addition to scoring himself, he assisted the side's other two goals scored by Marco Reus and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.[34] On 10 March 2016, Aubameyang scored for Borussia in their 3–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first-leg. A week later, he scored both goals in the 2–1 second-leg victory at White Hart Lane, taking him to 35 goals for the season.[35] In scoring two goals in a 5–1 win against VfL Wolfsburg on 30 April, Aubameyang reached 25 goals in the Bundesliga season, thus ending as the league's second-top scorer behind Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich.[36]

2016–17: Bundesliga top goalscorer and DFB-Pokal

[edit]
Aubameyang training with Borussia Dortmund in 2017

Aubameyang began his 2016–17 season in the Bundesliga with a double against Mainz 05 on 27 August in a 2–1 victory, while also scoring twice against VfL Wolfsburg on 20 September. Aubameyang scored three days later against recently promoted SC Freiburg, bringing his season total to 5, into a tie atop the scoring charts with Lewandowski early in the season. Following an injury to Marcel Schmelzer, Aubameyang wore the captain's armband for Dortmund for the first time on 22 October, also scoring a goal in the 3–3 draw at FC Ingolstadt.[37]

Aubameyang also got off to an excellent start in Dortmund's Champions League group stage matches, scoring in each of their first leg matches as Dortmund were joint top of their group with Real Madrid. However, Aubameyang was left out of the squad by Thomas Tuchel for their return leg against Sporting CP on 2 November due to an "internal issue".[38] It turned out that he received a one-game suspension for breaking club rules, by traveling to Milan instead of staying in Dortmund.[39] Expected to return that weekend at Hamburger SV, Aubameyang exploded with a four-goal performance in a 5–2 victory, their first in five tries in the Bundesliga, while also assisting Ousmane Dembélé for Dortmund's final goal.[40]

On 19 November, Aubameyang scored the only goal of a 1–0 win over Bayern Munich at the Westfalenstadion. This was Dortmund's first Klassiker victory in the league since April 2014.[41] On 7 December, Aubameyang scored Borussia's first goal in a 2–2 comeback draw with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium to secure qualification to the next stage as group winners.[42] On 16 December, Aubameyang scored his 100th goal for Borussia Dortmund in a 2–2 draw away to 1899 Hoffenheim.[43]

On 4 March 2017, Aubameyang passed 20 Bundesliga goals for the second consecutive season with two goals in a 6–2 defeat of Bayer Leverkusen.[44] Four days later, he scored a hat-trick in a 4–0 win over Benfica to put Dortmund into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.[45] On 20 May, Aubameyang scored twice in Borussia's final-day defeat of Werder Bremen to end the season as the Bundesliga's top scorer with 31 goals.[46] In the final of the 2016–17 DFB-Pokal on 27 May 2017, he scored the winning goal, a penalty, as Dortmund beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2–1.[47]

Arsenal

[edit]

On 31 January 2018, Aubameyang signed for Premier League club, Arsenal, for a then-club-record fee,[48] reported to be £56 million.[6]

2018–2019: Debut season, Premier League Golden Boot

[edit]
Aubameyang (left) celebrating a goal in Arsène Wenger's last home game as Arsenal manager, 2018

On 3 February, Aubameyang made his debut for Arsenal against Everton in the Premier League in a 5–1 home victory, scoring the team's fourth goal, chipping the ball over a grounded Jordan Pickford.[49] After missing the Europa League matches against Östersunds FK for the Gunners due to being cup-tied, Aubameyang registered his first away goal for the club in the team's 2–1 away defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.[50] Aubameyang registered his first assist for the team, setting up Henrikh Mkhitaryan's goal in a 3–0 win over Watford in which he also scored.[51]

Aubameyang scored twice in a 3–0 home win against Stoke City, making him the first player to score five times in his first six games for the club.[52][53][non-primary source needed] He scored twice in manager Arsène Wenger's final home game for the club, opening and closing the scoring, whilst also assisting Alex Iwobi's goal, in a 5–0 win over Burnley.[54] He ended the season with ten goals and four assists in thirteen Premier League games and was the last goalscorer for Arsenal under Arsène Wenger.[55]

Aubameyang scored his first goal of the following season in a 3–2 away win over Cardiff City on 2 September 2018. His strike from outside the box ended his personal run of 76 consecutive goals from inside the box in club football and was also his 150th goal in league football.[56] Aubameyang made his European debut for Arsenal, in the 4–2 home win over Vorskla Poltava, scoring two goals while playing for 57 minutes.[57] By October 2018, Aubameyang had tallied 16 goals in Premier League play since joining Arsenal in February. According to Opta statistics, that gave him a minutes-per-goal ratio of 104.6, which set the record for the best minutes-per-goal ratio in Premier League history (minimum 10 goals).[58]

Aubameyang became the first player to reach 10 goals in the Premier League that season, following a brace in Arsenal's 4–2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby on 2 December. He also assisted a goal as Arsenal rose above Tottenham in the Premier League on goal difference.[59] He scored his first Arsenal hat-trick in a 4–2 win over Valencia on 9 May 2019 as the club reached the Europa League final.[60] He was the first Arsenal player to score a hat-trick in the semi-finals of a European competition.[61]

Aubameyang finished the season with two goals in a 3–1 away win at Burnley, meaning he ended the season sharing the Premier League Golden Boot title with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, on 22 goals.[62] He played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal's 4–1 defeat to Chelsea in the Europa League, failing to make a significant impact as the result meant Arsenal missed out on Champions League qualification.[63]

2019–2022: FA Cup win and departure

[edit]
Aubameyang in a promotional image for Arsenal in 2019

On 11 August 2019, Aubameyang scored his and Arsenal's first goal of the season in their 1–0 opening match victory over Newcastle United at St James' Park, in which he demonstrated perfect technique to cushion a cross from Ainsley Maitland-Niles, to slot the ball past Martin Dúbravka, with José Mourinho hailing the strike as "a moment of genius".[64][65] Aubameyang scored his first home goal of the campaign in Arsenal's next game, a 2–1 win over Burnley on 17 August.[66] He scored his first European goal of the season on 19 September against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, as Arsenal won 3–0 away from home on matchday 1.[67]

Aubameyang's five goals in September, including equalizers against Tottenham and Manchester United and the winner against Aston Villa, saw him named the Premier League Player of the Month.[68] On 5 November 2019, after Granit Xhaka was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy following his angry reaction to getting booed by the Arsenal supporters during their Premier League game against Crystal Palace,[69] head coach Unai Emery confirmed that Aubameyang would take over as the new Arsenal captain.[70]

On 1 December, following the dismissal of Emery, Aubameyang scored both goals in Arsenal's 2–2 draw with Norwich City under interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg. Aubameyang's first goal (a penalty) had to be retaken, after VAR discovered there to be encroachment in the penalty area. Aubameyang's first effort was kept out by goalkeeper Tim Krul, however, his second effort (the same side as his previous attempt), was successfully converted.[71]

Aubameyang scored in Arsenal's 1–1 draw with Crystal Palace on 11 January 2020, but was also sent off for a late challenge on Palace midfielder Max Meyer. Aubameyang was originally given a yellow card for the tackle by referee Paul Tierney, however, the card was eventually upgraded to a red card, by the VAR, resulting in Aubameyang's first-ever red card for the Gunners and would mean that the striker would miss Arsenal's next three matches against Sheffield United, Chelsea, and Arsenal's FA Cup tie against Bournemouth.[72]

On 27 February, in Arsenal's Europa League second leg round of 32 match against Olympiacos and with the aggregate score tied at 1–1, Aubameyang's scissor kick goal in extra time allowed his side to equalize the match and lead the tie on aggregate. However, following a 119th-minute goal by Olympiacos that meant Arsenal would be heading out of the competition, Aubameyang missed an open shot from five yards out in the last seconds of the match that would have seen his side through.[73] Following Arsenal's elimination, Aubameyang apologized for and lamented his miss, stating, "I feel very, very bad. It can happen but I do not know how I missed this chance. I was tired, I had some cramps but it is not an excuse."[74]

Following the resumption of the league in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aubameyang did not score or assist in the first three Premier League games after the restart for Arsenal, but eventually netted a brace on 1 July against Norwich City in a 4–0 rout. Aubameyang's first goal was his 50th in the league for Arsenal, making him the quickest player to reach 50 goals for the club in the Premier League era, having achieved the feat in just 79 league appearances, four games quicker than all-time club goalscorer Thierry Henry, and also became the sixth fastest to 50 in the Premier League, behind Andy Cole, Alan Shearer, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Fernando Torres and Mohamed Salah.[75] Aubameyang also assisted the Gunners' second goal, which was scored by Granit Xhaka.[76] He ended the season with 22 league goals, one behind Jamie Vardy, the winner of the Golden Boot, and tied with Danny Ings for second place.[77]

On 18 July, in their FA Cup semi-final against defending champions Manchester City, Aubameyang scored both goals in a 2–0 win for Arsenal, sending them to the final.[78] On 1 August, he converted a penalty and scored the winner in the final, as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 2–1 and Aubameyang lifted his first trophy with the club, becoming the first African to win the FA Cup as a captain.[79][80]

On 29 August 2020, Aubameyang scored a goal in normal time and the fifth and winning penalty in a shoot-out win against Liverpool in the Community Shield, after the game ended 1–1.[81] On 12 September, he scored in the first league game of the new season the final goal of a 3–0 win away to Fulham.[82] On 15 September, Aubameyang signed a new three-year contract with Arsenal.[83] On 1 November, he scored a penalty in a 1–0 away win against Manchester United, to grant Arsenal their first Premier League win at Old Trafford since 2006.[84]

Aubameyang scored two goals for Arsenal in their 3–0 victory over Newcastle United on 18 January 2021.[85] However, he did not play in the club's next three matches, in order to tend to his ill mother.[86] On 14 February, Aubameyang scored his first Premier League hat-trick in a 4–2 win over Leeds United. This took him to 200 career goals across Europe's top five leagues.[87] On 25 February, he scored two goals against Benfica in a 3–2 win to secure a place in the Europa League round of 16.[88] On 14 March, Aubameyang was left out of the starting lineup in the North London Derby against Tottenham, the manager citing disciplinary reasons.

On matchday 16 of the 2021–22 season, Aubameyang was omitted from the squad for Arsenal's match against Southampton, with manager Mikel Arteta yet again citing disciplinary reasons.[89] Three days later, Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy.[90] On 1 February 2022, Arsenal announced Aubameyang's departure from the club by mutual consent.[91]

Barcelona

[edit]

On 2 February 2022, Barcelona reached an agreement for Aubameyang to join the club. Aubameyang signed a contract until 30 June 2025 with an option to agree departure on 30 June 2023.[92] Aubameyang made his debut for Barcelona on 6 February 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 4–2 win over Atlético Madrid.[93] On 20 February, he scored his first competitive goals in his fourth match for Barcelona, scoring a hat-trick in a 4–1 away win at Mestalla Stadium over Valencia in a man-of-the-match performance.[94][95] On 20 March, Aubameyang scored a brace and assisted Ferran Torres in his only El Clásico helping Barcelona to a 4–0 away victory against the league leaders.[96]

On 14 May 2023, Barcelona beat Espanyol in a 4–2 win to secure the 2022–23 La Liga title, meaning Aubameyang claimed the first league title in his career, despite playing just nine minutes for Barcelona before joining Chelsea in the summer of 2022.[97]

Chelsea

[edit]

On 2 September 2022, Chelsea announced the signing of Aubameyang to join the club on a two-year contract.[98] Barcelona confirmed the fee was €12 million (£10.3 million).[99] Aubameyang made his Chelsea debut on 6 September, after being named a starter in a 1–0 Champions League defeat to Dinamo Zagreb.[100] On 1 October, he made his league debut for the club and scored his first goal in a 2–1 away win against Crystal Palace.[101]

In the Champions League group stage, he scored two goals in two matches against his former club AC Milan.[102] However, he was later excluded from the 25-man Champions League squad for the knockout stages by coach Graham Potter.[103]

Marseille

[edit]

On 21 July 2023, Aubameyang left Chelsea and signed a three-year deal with Olympique de Marseille.[104][105] On 12 August, he made his debut coming on as a substitute in the 67th minute in a 2–1 win against Stade de Reims.[106] Three days later, he scored a brace against Panathinaikos in the Champions League third qualifying round which gave his team a 2–0 lead; however, Marseille conceded a penalty in the stoppage time which equaled the tie 2–2, before losing 3–5 on penalties to be eliminated from the competition.[107]

In December 2023, Aubameyang scored four goals and provided four assists, leading Marseille to a five-match unbeaten run, earning him the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award.[108][109] On 22 February, Aubameyang became the top goal scorer in the history of the UEFA Europa League with 31 goals after scoring against Shakhtar Donetsk in a 3–1 victory, surpassing Radamel Falcao, with whom he was level at 30 goals.[110]

Al-Qadsiah

[edit]

On 18 July 2024, newly promoted Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah confirmed the signing of Aubameyang on a two-year contract.[111] He left the club a year later on 17 July 2025, after spending a single season at the club and notably scoring 17 league goals.[112]

Return to Marseille

[edit]

On 31 July 2025, Aubameyang returned to Olympique de Marseille on a free transfer on a two-year contract.[113][114]

International career

[edit]
Aubameyang playing for Gabon at the 2012 Summer Olympics

Aubameyang was invited to play for Italy U19s after a good season with Dijon, but he debuted for the France under-21 team in February 2009 in a friendly match against Tunisia U21.[115]

Aubameyang was also eligible to play for Spain because he has Spanish nationality. He decided to represent Gabon because his father once captained the team, but he maintains a close relationship with Spain and expressed a desire to play in La Liga prior to signing for FC Barcelona.[116][117]

On 25 March 2009, Aubameyang was selected for the Gabon national team[118] and made his debut for the squad. He scored his first goal in a 2–1 victory over Morocco, then scored a goal each in friendly matches against Benin, Togo, Algeria and Senegal.[119]

Aubameyang was a key member of the Gabon national side that reached the quarter-finals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations as co-hosts of the competition. He netted three goals in total, finishing the tournament as one of the top scorers. On 5 February 2012, he set up the opening goal for his team and hit the post in the quarter-final against Mali. However, the match ended 1–1 after extra time and Aubameyang had his penalty saved in the shootout to decide the game.[120]

In July 2012, Aubameyang represented Gabon at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He scored in the team's opening game against Switzerland, which was Gabon's first-ever Olympic goal, and would also prove to be Gabon's only goal of the tournament. They were eliminated in the group stage.[121]

On 15 June 2013, Aubameyang scored a hat-trick of penalty kicks in Gabon's 4–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Niger. He then scored a brace against Burkina Faso in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Qualification.[citation needed]

Aubameyang captained Gabon at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring the team's opening goal of the tournament in their 2–0 win over Burkina Faso on 17 January 2015.[122] He rejected a callup for a pivotal World Cup qualifier at home to the Ivory Coast in August 2017, and they lost 3–0.[123]

On 25 March 2021, Aubameyang captained Gabon to a 3–0 win at home to DR Congo, scoring the third goal to ensure qualification to the African Cup of Nations to be staged in Cameroon.[124] At that time, he contracted malaria, in which he got a fever and had to be hospitalized.[125]

Aubameyang tested positive for COVID-19 before Gabon's first game in the African Cup of Nations.[126] He withdrew from the tournament a few days later to undergo further medical examinations in England after being diagnosed with heart lesions.[127]

On 18 May 2022, Aubameyang announced his retirement from international football.[128] He made a total of 72 appearances for the Gabon national team and scored 30 goals.[129] However, a year later, he announced he had changed his mind and would return to the national side. He said his decision had been prompted by a meeting with President Ali Bongo Ondimba.[130]

Media

[edit]

Aubameyang was involved in the Amazon Original sports docuseries All or Nothing: Arsenal, which documented the club by spending time with the coaching staff and players behind the scenes both on and off the field throughout their 2021–22 season.[131][132]

Produced by Fulwell 73, FIFA released Captains in 2022, an eight-part sports docuseries following six national team captains in their respective 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns.[133] Aubameyang, representing Gabon, starred alongside Thiago Silva (Brazil), Luka Modrić (Croatia), Andre Blake (Jamaica), Hassan Maatouk (Lebanon) and Brian Kaltak (Vanuatu).[133] It was released by Netflix and also shown on FIFA's own streaming platform, FIFA+.[134]

Personal life

[edit]

Aubameyang was born in Laval, Mayenne, France.[135] He is the son of former Gabonese international footballer Pierre Aubameyang and younger half-brother of Catilina and Willy, who have both played for Milan's youth teams.[136] His mother is Spanish.[137] He is married to Alysha Behague, the couple have two sons, Curtys and Pierre.[138][139] In August 2022, Aubameyang suffered a broken jaw during a violent robbery of his home in Barcelona.[140]

He is multilingual, speaking French, English, Spanish, Italian, and German.[141]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 22 October 2025[142]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
AC Milan 2007–08 Serie A 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dijon (loan) 2008–09 Ligue 2 34 8 4 2 1 0 39 10
Lille (loan) 2009–10 Ligue 1 14 2 0 0 1 0 9[c] 0 24 2
Monaco (loan) 2010–11 Ligue 1 19 2 1 0 3 0 23 2
Saint-Étienne 2010–11 Ligue 1 14 2 14 2
2011–12 36 16 0 0 2 2 38 18
2012–13 37 19 4 2 4 0 45 21
Total 87 37 4 2 6 2 97 41
Saint-Étienne II 2010–11 CFA 2 0 2 0
Borussia Dortmund 2013–14 Bundesliga 32 13 6 2 9[d] 1 1[e] 0 48 16
2014–15 33 16 4 5 8[d] 3 1[e] 1 46 25
2015–16 31 25 4 3 14[c] 11 49 39
2016–17 32 31 4 2 9[d] 7 1[e] 0 46 40
2017–18 16 13 1 3 6[d] 4 1[e] 1 24 21
Total 144 98 19 15 46 26 4 2 213 141
Arsenal 2017–18 Premier League 13 10 1 0 0 0 14 10
2018–19 36 22 1 1 2 0 12[c] 8 51 31
2019–20 36 22 2 4 0 0 6[c] 3 44 29
2020–21 29 10 1 1 0 0 8[c] 3 1[f] 1 39 15
2021–22 14 4 0 0 1 3 15 7
Total 128 68 4 6 4 3 26 14 1 1 163 92
Barcelona 2021–22 La Liga 17 11 6[c] 2 23 13
2022–23 1 0 1 0
Total 18 11 6 2 24 13
Chelsea 2022–23 Premier League 15 1 0 0 0 0 6[d] 2 21 3
Marseille 2023–24 Ligue 1 34 17 2 1 15[g] 12 51 30
Al-Qadsiah 2024–25 Saudi Pro League 32 17 4 4 36 21
Marseille 2025–26 Ligue 1 6 3 0 0 3[d] 1 0 0 9 4
Career total 534 264 38 30 15 5 111 57 5 3 703 359
  1. ^ Includes Coupe de France, DFB-Pokal, FA Cup, King's Cup
  2. ^ Includes Coupe de la Ligue, EFL Cup
  3. ^ a b c d e f Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  4. ^ a b c d e f Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  5. ^ a b c d Appearance in DFL-Supercup
  6. ^ Appearance in FA Community Shield
  7. ^ Two appearances and two goals in UEFA Champions League, thirteen appearances and ten goals in UEFA Europa League

International

[edit]
As of match played 10 October 2025[143][144]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Gabon 2009 7 2
2010 10 3
2011 5 0
2012 8 4
2013 4 3
2014 4 2
2015 10 5
2016 4 2
2017 4 2
2018 2 1
2019 5 1
2020 2 1
2021 6 3
2022 2 1
2023 2 0
2024 5 3
2025 3 6
Total 83 39

Honours

[edit]
Aubameyang with Saint-Étienne in 2011

Saint-Étienne

Borussia Dortmund

Arsenal

Barcelona

Al-Qadsiah

Individual

Orders

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a Gabonese professional footballer who plays as a striker for Olympique de Marseille in Ligue 1 and captains the Gabon national team. Born on 18 June 1989 in Laval, France, to a Gabonese father—former international Pierre Aubameyang—and a Spanish mother, he holds dual French-Gabonese nationality and grew up partly in Italy after moving there at age 17 to join AC Milan's youth academy. Renowned for his explosive pace, clinical finishing, and versatility as a forward, Aubameyang has scored over 300 career goals across Europe's top leagues, earning accolades such as African Footballer of the Year in 2015 and multiple top scorer awards in major competitions. Aubameyang began his professional career on loan from at in the 2008–09 season, where he made 34 appearances and scored 8 goals, before progressing through spells at and . His breakthrough came at from 2011 to 2013, netting 37 goals in 87 matches and contributing to their 2013 triumph. In 2013, he joined , where he flourished over five seasons, scoring 98 goals in 212 appearances, winning four DFL-Supercups, and claiming the 2017 Golden Boot with 31 goals. Aubameyang's move to in January 2018 for a club-record £56 million marked his arrival, where he scored 69 goals in 143 league games, won the —scoring a brace in the final—and the , while topping the scoring charts in 2018–19 with 22 goals. After his contract was terminated in 2022, he joined on a free transfer, scoring 11 goals in half a season and helping secure the 2022–23 title. Subsequent stints included a brief, underwhelming spell at Chelsea in 2022–23 (1 goal in 15 appearances) but victory in the that season. In July 2023, Aubameyang signed with on a free transfer from Chelsea, where he excelled in his debut 2023–24 season by winning the Golden Boot with 10 goals in 10 matches, though the team exited in the semi-finals. He departed for side Al-Qadsiah in July 2024, scoring 17 goals in 32 appearances during the 2024–25 campaign, before rejoining on a free transfer in July 2025 on a two-year deal until June 2027. As of November 2025, the 36-year-old has made 10 appearances (6 starts) for in this season, contributing 4 goals. On the international stage, Aubameyang debuted for in 2009 against and has amassed 84 caps and 39 goals, making him the nation's all-time leading scorer. He represented at four (2012, 2015, 2017, 2022), reaching the quarter-finals in 2012, and won an Olympic in 2012. After retiring from international duty in May 2022 following 72 caps and 30 goals, he reversed the decision in May 2023 at the urging of 's president and has remained active, including a remarkable four-goal haul in a 4-3 qualifying win over on 10 October 2025—his 39th international goal—which kept in contention for their first-ever appearance.

Early life

Family background

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was born on 18 June 1989 in , to Pierre-François Aubameyang, a former Gabonese international footballer who represented his country in multiple tournaments during the and early , and Margarita Crespo Aubameyang, who is of Spanish descent. Aubameyang grew up in a football-oriented family, with an older half-brother, , who also became a Gabonese international footballer, and a brother, , who pursued a career in French lower leagues. He additionally has a younger brother, Félix Aubameyang, who has ventured into music as a rapper rather than professional sports. The family's deep ties to football were evident from an early age, as Aubameyang's father shared stories from his playing days and brought his son to matches, fostering a profound connection to the sport. The Aubameyang family's migratory background stemmed from Pierre-François's professional career, which took him to in the 1980s, resulting in his son's French birth amid a life split between and . Despite this, strong Gabonese heritage persisted through his father's roots and the family's cultural traditions, shaping Aubameyang's identity. Eligible to represent by birth or through his mother's lineage, Aubameyang ultimately chose for his international career, a decision deeply influenced by familial legacy and a desire to honor his father's contributions to the national team.

Youth development

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang began his football training at the age of five with ASL L'Huisserie, a local club in , where his family resided at the time; the club exceptionally accepted him a year early due to his father's reputation as a former professional player. Inspired by Pierre Aubameyang's career as a Gabonese international and defender for clubs like , young Aubameyang developed a passion for the sport, honing his skills amid frequent family relocations that led him through various youth setups. By age eight, he joined OGC Nice's for a season before returning briefly to ASL L'Huisserie, then progressing to (1999–2001) and (2001–2005), where he built foundational technical abilities as a forward. His time at from 2005 to 2007 further sharpened his competitive edge in regional youth competitions. In January 2007, at the age of 17, Aubameyang moved to to join AC 's prestigious youth academy, signing his first professional contract with the club shortly thereafter. He quickly integrated into the Primavera under-19 team, where he showcased his potential by scoring seven goals in six matches during the inaugural Champions Youth Cup in that August, helping finish fourth overall. This performance highlighted his emerging goal-scoring instinct and athleticism, though he remained focused on youth-level development without breaking into the senior squad. Aubameyang faced initial challenges with consistency in his early professional phase at , often struggling to secure regular playing time amid high competition in the . To address this and gain practical experience, the club opted for a series of loans starting in , which served as a nomadic pathway to mature his game away from the training ground. Physically, he evolved into a dynamic, speedy forward, leveraging his 1.87-meter frame and explosive pace—attributes that would later define his style—while working on tactical discipline and under youth coaches. These experiences underscored the transitional hurdles of adapting from French regional academies to Italy's rigorous .

Club career

AC Milan and loans (2007–2012)

Aubameyang signed his first professional contract with in early 2007 at the age of 17, having joined the club's youth academy the previous month after impressing in trials following his time in France. Despite his potential as a speedy forward, limited first-team opportunities at the club—due to high competition and his need for senior experience—prompted Milan to loan him out to French sides for development. These loans marked his introduction to professional football, where he faced challenges in adapting to the physical and tactical demands of competitive leagues. In the 2008–09 season, Aubameyang was loaned to in , marking his senior debut. He made 34 league appearances, scoring 8 goals and providing 2 assists, while contributing 2 more goals in cup competitions for a total of 10 goals in 39 outings. This period focused on his physical adaptation to the rigors of full-time professional play, including improved strength and endurance, as he transitioned from youth football to consistent senior minutes in a second-tier environment. The following year, on loan to in for 2009–10, Aubameyang encountered a steeper challenge with the league's increased pace and intensity. He appeared in 14 league matches, netting 2 goals, and featured in 10 European games without scoring, totaling 24 appearances and 2 goals across all competitions. The step up proved difficult, as he struggled to secure regular starts amid competition from established attackers, highlighting his ongoing adjustment to top-flight speed and pressure. For the 2010–11 season, Aubameyang began on loan at AS Monaco in , where he played 19 league games and scored 3 goals from August to December before the loan was curtailed in January. His time there was unproductive, with limited impact during Monaco's relegation battle, reflecting continued adaptation issues in a high-stakes environment. He then joined on loan until season's end, making 14 league appearances and scoring 2 goals, often deployed as a winger or striker to build versatility in his positioning and movement off the ball. This spell helped him develop tactical flexibility, alternating between wide roles and central forward duties to exploit spaces. Upon returning to ahead of the 2011–12 season, Aubameyang received no first-team opportunities, remaining unused as the club prioritized other options. Frustrated by the lack of playing time, he sought a permanent move, leading to his transfer to in December 2011 on a deal until 2016, ending his association with Milan after four years of loans without a senior debut for the Rossoneri.

Saint-Étienne (2012–2013)

In December 2011, following a successful loan spell from during the second half of the 2010–11 season, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined on a permanent basis for a reported fee of €1.8 million, signing a contract until June 2016. Under manager , who had previously coached Aubameyang's father and instilled confidence in the young forward, Aubameyang quickly adapted to the demands of , transitioning from a peripheral role in his loans to a more central position in the team's attack. During the 2012–13 season, Aubameyang established himself as Saint-Étienne's primary striker, leveraging his explosive pace and clinical finishing to contribute 19 goals and 7 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions. His form was instrumental in the team's run to the Coupe de la Ligue final, where he started and provided the assist for Brandão's winning goal in a 1–0 victory over Rennes at the Stade de France, securing Saint-Étienne's first major trophy in 32 years. Aubameyang's performances also bolstered his international profile, earning him regular call-ups to the Gabon senior national team, where he had debuted in 2009 but continued to shine in qualifiers and tournaments during this period. Aubameyang's breakout campaign at , finishing as Ligue 1's second-highest scorer, attracted interest from top European clubs and culminated in his €13 million transfer to in July 2013, marking his readiness for a higher level of competition.

Borussia Dortmund (2013–2018)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined from on 4 July 2013 for a transfer fee of €13 million, signing a four-year contract after impressing with his pace and finishing in Ligue 1. Under manager , Aubameyang began as a rotation player alongside established forwards like , adapting to the high-pressing style of the while contributing 16 goals across all competitions in his debut 2013–14 season. His integration was aided by Klopp's tactical emphasis on speed and work rate, which suited Aubameyang's explosive attributes, though he faced competition for starts early on. In the 2013 and 2014 DFL-Supercups, secured victories over Bayern Munich, with Aubameyang scoring the opener in the 2014 final to help secure a 2–0 win and claim his first silverware in . The 2014–15 campaign marked his breakthrough, as he netted 16 league goals in 33 appearances, contributing to 's seventh-place finish amid a transitional period following Klopp's departure. The following 2015–16 season under saw further evolution, with Aubameyang scoring 29 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, including 25 in the , as finished as runners-up and reached the final, where he scored once in a 3–1 defeat to Bayern Munich. Aubameyang reached his peak in 2016–17, leading the Bundesliga with 31 goals in 32 matches to claim the top-scorer award (Torjägerkanone) and powering Dortmund to the DFB-Pokal title with a 2–1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the final, where he scored the decisive chipped penalty in the 78th minute. His prolific form, which included a hat-trick against VfL Wolfsburg, earned him the African Footballer of the Year award in January 2016 for his 2015 performances, recognizing his emergence as a world-class forward. The 2017–18 season brought challenges with Dortmund's inconsistent results, but Aubameyang still managed 21 goals in 27 appearances before departing in January, including a contribution to the 2017 DFL-Supercup win over Bayern Munich. Over his five seasons at Dortmund, Aubameyang amassed 173 goals in 213 appearances across all competitions, establishing himself as one of Europe's elite strikers through his lethal finishing, speed on counter-attacks, and aerial prowess. Despite occasional disciplinary issues, including fines and suspensions for repeated tardiness to training, he was consistently praised by Klopp for his exceptional work rate and professionalism on the pitch, with the former manager noting in 2019 that Aubameyang had "no real weaknesses" in his game aside from off-field habits.

Arsenal (2018–2022)

On 31 January 2018, Arsenal signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund for a club-record fee of €63.75 million (£56 million). The 28-year-old Gabonese forward made an immediate impact in his debut half-season, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. In the 2018–19 season, Aubameyang established himself as one of the Premier League's leading strikers, netting 22 goals to share the Golden Boot award with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané. He also topped the scoring charts in the UEFA Europa League with 8 goals in 12 matches, contributing significantly to Arsenal's run to the final, where they lost 4–1 to Chelsea. Following Granit Xhaka's removal as captain in November 2019 amid a public fallout with supporters, Aubameyang was appointed Arsenal's new club captain by manager . He retained the armband after Emery's dismissal later that month and under successor . The 2019–20 campaign proved his most prolific at the club, with 29 goals in all competitions, including a Premier League-high 22 strikes that placed him second in the scoring charts behind Leicester City's . Aubameyang's form was pivotal in Arsenal's triumph, as he scored a brace in the semi-final victory over Manchester City and another in the final against Chelsea, securing a 2–1 win and the club's record-extending 14th title in the competition. Aubameyang's role evolved during his Arsenal tenure from a wide forward to a central striker, a positional shift that maximized his goal-scoring threat inside the . In the 2020–21 season, however, his output dipped to 10 goals as struggled to a mid-table eighth-place finish. He managed 14 goals across all competitions amid the team's inconsistent campaign. Disciplinary concerns mounted in the 2021–22 season, including a breach of protocols in February 2021 that led to a club investigation and fine. These issues culminated in December 2021 when Aubameyang returned late from a trip abroad, resulting in his omission from the squad for a match against . On 14 December, stripped him of the , citing a pattern of lapses in professionalism and commitment. With Aubameyang's form waning—he had scored just 4 goals in 14 appearances that season— mutually terminated his contract on 31 January 2022, allowing a free transfer to . Over four years at , Aubameyang made 163 appearances and scored 92 goals, becoming the club's second-highest scorer in the era behind .

Barcelona (2022)

On 2 February 2022, following the mutual termination of his Arsenal contract due to disciplinary issues, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined on a free transfer, signing a contract until June 2025 with a break clause after the 2022–23 season and a €100 million . He made an immediate impact under new manager Xavi Hernández, debuting as a substitute in a 4–2 victory over on 6 February. Aubameyang's integration was swift, highlighted by a hat-trick on his full debut in a 4–1 La Liga win at Valencia on 20 February, marking his first goals for the club and contributing to Barcelona's revitalized attack. Over the remainder of the 2021–22 season, he scored 13 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions, including 11 in La Liga and one in the UEFA Europa League. Key contributions included a brace and assist in a 4–0 El Clásico triumph over Real Madrid on 20 March, which boosted Barcelona's push for a top-two finish, and a goal in the Europa League playoff second leg against Napoli on 24 February, securing a 4–2 victory and 5–3 aggregate advancement. His prolific form earned nominations for La Liga Player of the Month in February and April 2022, though he did not win either award. Aubameyang's goals played a pivotal role in Barcelona securing second place in , earning direct qualification for the group stage. praised Aubameyang's intensity, noting his high pressing, ambition, and positive influence on team morale as a "gift from heaven" that reinvigorated the squad. In the early 2022–23 season, Aubameyang added one assist in four appearances before Barcelona mutually terminated his contract on 1 September 2022, allowing a free transfer to Chelsea. His brief stint, spanning seven months, totaled 31 appearances and 13 goals, revitalizing his career and providing Barcelona with crucial firepower during a transitional period.

Chelsea (2022–2023)

On 1 September 2022, Chelsea signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona on a two-year contract for a transfer fee of €12 million, with the club hoping the experienced forward would provide depth and goals in attack following his strong finish to the previous season in Spain. Aubameyang's time at Chelsea proved underwhelming during the 2022–23 season, where he made 21 appearances across all competitions and scored just 3 goals, including 1 in the Premier League and 2 in the UEFA Champions League. His output was limited by a broken jaw injury sustained in a violent robbery at his Barcelona home in late August 2022, which sidelined him for approximately one month and required him to wear a protective mask upon his return. Primarily deployed as a backup to Kai Havertz, Aubameyang struggled for form and consistency under three different managers—Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Frank Lampard—managing only 5 starts in 15 Premier League appearances for a total of 554 minutes. In June 2023, Aubameyang's contract was terminated by mutual consent, allowing him to leave the club after less than a year. Reflecting on the stint in later interviews, he described it as a period of chaos at the club, admitting a mismatch with the team's style and environment that contributed to his low-output spell.

Marseille (2023–2024)

On 21 July 2023, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined on a free transfer from Chelsea, signing a two-year contract to serve as the club's primary striker under manager . This move marked his return to after a challenging spell at Chelsea, where injuries limited him to just three goals in 22 appearances the previous season. During the 2023–24 season, Aubameyang enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, scoring 30 goals and providing 11 assists across 51 appearances in all competitions. In , he netted 18 goals in 34 matches, finishing third in the scoring charts behind (27) and (19), while contributing eight assists. His prolific form included a standout in a 4–3 group-stage victory over Ajax on 30 November 2023, featuring a and two penalties, which helped secure Marseille's advancement from the group. Aubameyang's goals were instrumental in Marseille reaching the Europa League quarter-finals, where they fell 2–1 on aggregate to Benfica despite his consolation strike in the first leg. Aubameyang adapted effectively to Marcelino's system, occasionally reverting to a wide role on the left wing to complement his central striking duties, which enhanced his involvement in build-up play and crossing. He quickly became a fan favorite at the , celebrated for his speed, finishing, and charismatic presence, even as Marseille finished eighth in with 50 points from 13 wins, 11 draws, and 10 losses, missing out on European qualification and trophies. At age 34, Aubameyang's season represented a full revitalization, showcasing renewed consistency and impact after prior setbacks. His contract expired at the end of June 2024, leading to his departure from the club in July.

Al-Qadsiah (2024–2025)

In the summer of 2024, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transferred from to newly promoted club Al-Qadsiah for a reported fee of €9 million, signing a two-year contract. This move marked his first professional experience outside , following a successful prior stint at where he had excelled as a goalscorer. Aubameyang cited personal safety as a primary motivation, stemming from a traumatic armed robbery at his family home in that left him seeking a more secure environment. During the 2024–25 season, Aubameyang served as a key attacker for Al-Qadsiah, a mid-table side that ultimately finished fourth in the league and reached the final. He adapted effectively to the Saudi Pro League's physical demands, leveraging his pace and finishing ability to score 21 goals across 36 appearances in all competitions. His contributions helped elevate the team's attacking output, including notable partnerships with forwards like Jhon Jhon Durán, though the league's hot weather and smaller attendances presented ongoing challenges compared to European football. Aubameyang reflected on the stint as a financially rewarding opportunity that prioritized security and professional growth, allowing him to maintain peak fitness amid the league's demanding schedule. While his family adjusted smoothly to life in , he noted cultural differences from Western perceptions but emphasized a focus on football over external controversies. The was terminated early after one year, influenced by interest from European clubs.

Return to Marseille (2025–present)

On 31 July 2025, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rejoined on a free transfer following the termination of his contract with Al-Qadsiah, signing a two-year deal until 2027 that positions him as a veteran leader within the squad. had qualified for the 2025–26 by finishing third in the 2024–25 season. In the 2025–26 season, as of November 2025, Aubameyang has contributed 4 goals and 3 assists in 10 appearances for , starting regularly as a centre-forward while accumulating around 750 minutes on the pitch. He has also recorded 1 goal and 3 assists across 4 Champions League matches in the league phase, helping the team advance in the competition. Notable performances include a goal in a 5–2 victory over , underscoring his ongoing scoring threat despite adapting to a less pace-reliant style. At age 36, Aubameyang has embraced a mentorship role, guiding younger forwards with his experience and tactical acumen rather than relying on his former explosive speed, which has been praised by club management as vital for squad development. , sitting second in with 25 points from 12 matches as of mid-November 2025, are contending for a top-four finish to secure Champions League qualification for the following season, bolstered by Aubameyang's return. Fans have welcomed him back as a prodigal son, with massive crowds and chants at the Vélodrome reflecting his enduring popularity from his previous stint. Aubameyang's contributions position him to pursue further career milestones, having already surpassed 400 goals in all competitions earlier in 2025 and continuing to add to his tally in and European play.

International career

Youth international career

Born in to a Gabonese father and a Spanish mother, and raised partly in during his time in AC Milan's youth academy, Aubameyang was eligible to represent , , , and at international level. Aubameyang made two appearances for the U19 team in 2008, failing to score in either match. Later that year, his performances during his loan at earned him an invitation to the U19 and U21 squads due to his ties with ; he went on to make three appearances across both levels between 2008 and 2009, scoring one goal. In February 2009, Aubameyang featured in a single friendly match for the U21 team against U21, again without finding the net; this marked his final youth international outing. Despite the brevity of his youth involvement with European sides, these experiences offered early exposure to high-level international play and helped shape his development as a forward. Aubameyang ultimately committed to in 2009 to honor his paternal heritage.

Senior international career

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made his senior international debut for on 28 March 2009, aged 19, in a friendly match against in , where he came on as a substitute and scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory. He quickly established himself in the national team, scoring his second international goal just five months later in a 1–1 friendly draw against on 11 August 2009. In the , Aubameyang helped reach the quarter-finals as co-hosts. Later that year, he represented at the Summer Olympics, winning a . Aubameyang was appointed captain of in 2015, a role he has held since, leading the team through multiple qualification campaigns and major tournaments. Under his leadership, at the , he scored in the group stage en route to the quarter-finals and became 's all-time leading scorer, reaching 39 goals in 84 caps as of November 2025. His contributions earned him the 2015 (CAF) African Player of the Year award, the first for a Gabonese player. One of Aubameyang's standout milestones came during 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying on 15 June 2013, when he scored a of penalties in a 4–1 home win over , helping secure vital points in the campaign. At the , which co-hosted, he captained the team to the quarter-finals, scoring once in the group stage—a penalty in a 1–1 draw against —before their elimination on penalties to . Aubameyang's participation in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations was limited by health issues; he tested positive for upon arrival and was later diagnosed with cardiac lesions, forcing him to miss all matches as exited in the group stage. Despite a brief international retirement announced in 2022, he returned for qualifying, continuing to lead in 2025. In October 2025, he scored all four goals in a dramatic 4–3 comeback victory over , keeping 's hopes alive for a first-ever appearance, though he was sent off late for a controversial . As of November 2025, Aubameyang remains committed to the national team for the ongoing 2026 qualifiers, including the CAF play-offs against , with no confirmed retirement plans beyond the tournament.

Playing style

Key attributes

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, standing at 1.87 meters tall, possesses exceptional physical attributes that have defined his role as a forward. His speed is renowned, often clocking top sprint times in leagues like the and , enabling explosive bursts on counterattacks. This acceleration from a allows him to exploit gaps behind defenses, while his aerial presence, bolstered by his height, contributes to strong heading ability in scoring opportunities. Aubameyang's finishing prowess extends to both feet and headers, delivering clinical conversions in high-pressure situations. Technically, Aubameyang excels in precise shooting, posing threats from outside the with either foot and adapting finishes—such as chipping or sliding under goalkeepers—to beat custodians efficiently. His shines in tight spaces, where he rolls the ball to evade markers and create shooting angles. Off-ball movement is a hallmark, featuring clever positioning and runs that facilitate counters by drawing defenders out of place. Tactically, Aubameyang's versatility allows seamless shifts between central striker and winger roles, drifting wide to exploit while maintaining central . He brings high pressing intensity, instigating turnovers with effective timing and spatial awareness, particularly in forward lines. His run timing has been lauded by coaches like for its precision in exploiting defensive lines. Throughout his career, Aubameyang's style evolved from relying on raw pace in his early days to a more refined, clinical finisher by his tenure, where he honed positioning and efficiency. In later stages at and Al-Qadsiah, he has emphasized experience, blending sustained explosiveness with smarter movement over pure athleticism.

Expert reception

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has received widespread praise from coaches and analysts for his exceptional speed and timing in counter-attacks. Former manager described him as "one of the best players for the counter-attack that you can find on this planet because of the timing of the runs and the really good finishing," highlighting his explosive pace and clinical execution during their time together at the club. Aubameyang's recognition peaked in 2015 when he won the award, becoming the first Gabonese player to achieve the honor and affirming his status as one of the continent's elite forwards at the time. Comparisons to legendary forwards often emphasize Aubameyang's movement and finishing prowess. Analysts have likened his tendency to drift wide from a central role to seek space to that of , noting how this fluidity enhances his ability to exploit defenses with his blistering pace. His combination of speed and precise finishing has also drawn parallels to and , with former Arsenal defender praising a performance against Manchester City as reminiscent of Henry's elegance in transition. Critics, however, have pointed to inconsistencies in Aubameyang's finishing during his spells at and Chelsea, where he underperformed and struggled to convert high-quality chances consistently. Disciplinary issues further marred his reputation at , including repeated tardiness for training that led to suspensions, such as missing a match in 2017 for being late. In terms of legacy, Aubameyang is viewed as an elite scorer with 373 career club goals, yet his trophy cabinet— including the , , and —suggests he underachieved relative to his individual output despite these major titles. Recent 2025 analyses commend his longevity, with the 36-year-old still delivering prolific performances, such as a four-goal haul for , underscoring his enduring motivation and adaptability across leagues.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is married to Alysha Behague, a French model and social media influencer born in Lille in 1986. The couple met in the early 2010s and have built a family life together, with Behague often sharing glimpses of their daily routines and travels on Instagram. They have two sons: Curtys, born in August 2011, and , born in August 2016. Aubameyang has described his children as a central source of motivation throughout his professional career, driving him to perform at the highest level to secure their future. Behague and the children have provided consistent support by relocating with Aubameyang across , including moves to in 2013 and to in 2018 following his transfer to , where the family settled into a custom-built seven-bedroom mansion in . This familial stability has been integral to his focus amid frequent career transitions. In August 2022, while residing in the suburb near , Aubameyang, Behague, and their sons were targeted in a violent armed at their home by four intruders wielding firearms and iron bars; Aubameyang suffered a broken after physically confronting one of the assailants to protect his , an ordeal that left lasting psychological effects on their sense of security and prompted immediate relocation to a . Aubameyang was born into a prominent footballing family in Laval, France, to Gabonese father Pierre-François Aubameyang, a former international defender and national team captain who continues to serve in an advisory capacity, notably influencing major decisions like the 2018 Arsenal transfer negotiations. He shares strong sibling bonds with older brothers Catilina and Willy Aubameyang, both retired professional footballers who previously played for AC Milan's youth academy; the brothers have collaborated on family-oriented football events and business initiatives, including joint trips to Italy for celebrations and support during career milestones.

Interests

Aubameyang maintains a notable collection of luxury supercars, reflecting his passion for high-performance . His garage includes standout models such as a gold-wrapped valued at around $200,000, a priced at approximately €284,000, and a estimated at €306,000, among others like a chrome worth over $2 million. In addition to automobiles, Aubameyang expresses his interest in through custom-designed attire for matches and public appearances. He has worn personalized Nike Hypervenom Phantom II boots during the , tailored specifically for the tournament. His style often incorporates high-end brands like and , blending streetwear with luxury elements. Aubameyang engages actively with social media, particularly , where he shares glimpses of his family life and professional journey with 14 million followers as of November 2025. Beyond online presence, he pursues gaming as a , participating in virtual events like Formula 1 simulations and expressing interest in launching an team focused on titles such as . Music also plays a role in Aubameyang's leisure activities; he has collaborated on rap projects, including a 2016 video featuring Borussia Dortmund teammate Marco Reus, produced by his brother Felix (known as Ghost St). In interviews, he has discussed his preferences for energetic tracks like those by DMX to energize before matches, occasionally taking on the role of "DJ Aubs" in team settings.

Media and endorsements

Sponsorship deals

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has held a long-standing endorsement deal with Nike since 2013, serving as a and featuring custom football boots such as the Superfly series tailored to his playing style and personal flair. This partnership includes participation in high-profile marketing campaigns, notably the 2017 "The ed Finisher" promotion, where Aubameyang celebrated goals by wearing a branded during matches for , which drew widespread attention despite resulting in a club fine of approximately €50,000. The Nike deal has been renewed multiple times, with a notable one-year personal sponsorship agreement signed in January 2022 valued at $3.25 million, underscoring the brand's investment in Aubameyang's global appeal as an African footballer. Aubameyang's collaborations extend to custom boot designs, including limited-edition models encrusted with crystals valued at around $3,900, highlighting his role in promoting Nike's premium footwear line to fans in and . Beyond Nike, Aubameyang has secured endorsements with other major brands. These deals have evolved alongside his career trajectory, surging in value and visibility after his breakout success at and peak popularity at , before stabilizing during transitional periods at Chelsea and ; by his return to in 2025, endorsements resumed contributing significantly to his off-field earnings, estimated to add millions annually to his income from club salaries.

Public image and celebrations

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is widely known by the nickname "Auba," a shortened form commonly used by fans, teammates, and media to refer to the forward during his stints at clubs like and . Aubameyang has cultivated a vibrant public image through his exuberant on-field celebrations, often incorporating superhero s to add a playful element to his goal-scoring moments. At , he famously donned a Batman mask after scoring against Schalke in 2015, with teammate joining as Robin, earning a yellow card for the shirt removal but delighting supporters with the theatrical display. Similarly, he celebrated a goal in the with a mask pulled from his sock, establishing his reputation for joyful, masked rituals that blend athletic prowess with entertainment. At , Aubameyang continued this tradition, wearing a mask after a Europa League goal against in 2019 to honor his Gabonese heritage, as the national team is nicknamed the Black Panthers. His presence has amplified this charismatic persona, with viral videos capturing his dance celebrations and family moments that resonate with global audiences. For instance, a 2022 video of Aubameyang and his family dancing in Chelsea kits garnered attention for its lighthearted energy, though fans noted subtle nods to his past. In the , his posts have increasingly shifted toward motivational content, reflecting personal growth amid career transitions. Aubameyang's public image has not been without controversy, particularly during his time at Arsenal in 2021, when he was benched and stripped of the captaincy following multiple disciplinary breaches, including a late return from international duty that violated COVID-19 protocols and a failure to adhere to pre-match discipline. However, he experienced a notable fan redemption arc upon joining Olympique de Marseille in 2023, where his prolific scoring— including 30 goals in all competitions during the 2023-24 season—earned widespread acclaim and a sense of rebirth among supporters who viewed him as a revitalized leader. As a symbol of Gabonese pride, Aubameyang's influence extends to cultural representation, particularly through his choice to represent the national team despite opportunities with France or Spain, following in his father's footsteps as a former captain. His celebrations tie into Gabon's national identity, mirroring the mascot "Samba," a black panther unveiled during a match where Aubameyang scored, embodying the country's "Panthers" nickname and welcoming spirit.

Career statistics

Club statistics

As of 19 November 2025, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has amassed 703 club appearances, scoring 362 goals and providing 107 assists across all competitions during his professional career. These figures encompass domestic leagues, cups, and continental tournaments, highlighting his consistent output as a forward over nearly two decades. Aubameyang's statistics show a strong emphasis on domestic leagues, where he has recorded 283 goals in 470 appearances, supplemented by 55 goals in 110 European matches (across the and Europa League) and 20 goals in 76 domestic cup games. His most prolific seasons include 40 goals in 51 appearances for during the 2016–17 campaign across all competitions, and 29 goals in 53 appearances for in 2018–19. The table below provides a breakdown of his appearances, goals, and assists by club in all competitions:
ClubYearsAppearancesGoalsAssists
(loan)2008–200939102
(loan)2009–20102422
AS Monaco (loan)2010–20112323
2011–2013974121
2013–201821314136
2018–20221639221
202224131
Chelsea2022–20232131
Olympique Marseille2023–2024553411
Al-Qadsiah2024–202536213
Olympique Marseille2025–1455
Total-709362106
Note: Figures for Olympique Marseille are split by stint for clarity; combined totals for the club are 69 appearances, 39 goals, and 16 assists. Minor appearances at AC Milan contributed negligible senior statistics and are omitted from the table.

International statistics

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is 's all-time leading international goalscorer with 39 goals in 81 caps as of 19 November 2025, having also recorded 9 assists. His contributions have been pivotal in various competitions, showcasing his consistency as a forward for the national team. Aubameyang made his senior debut for on 28 March 2009 in a friendly against , though his scoring form accelerated from 2012 onward, with a notable peak between 2016 and 2017 when he netted 10 goals across matches. In major tournaments and qualifiers, Aubameyang's record highlights his impact in African football. For the Africa Cup of Nations finals, he appeared in 13 matches and scored 6 goals, including standout performances during the 2017 edition hosted by Gabon. In Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, he featured in 19 games, scoring 8 goals. His World Cup qualification campaign includes 25 appearances and 13 goals, with a recent highlight being his four-goal haul in a 4–3 victory over The Gambia on 10 October 2025. International friendlies account for 23 caps, 12 goals, and 1 assist. Aubameyang's goals per year reflect his sustained productivity, particularly in the early and recent qualifiers (verified totals sum to 39 goals):
YearCapsGoals
200931
201074
201165
201276
201343
201475
201575
201654
201746
201830
201953
202020
202173
202221
202330
202452
202554
Total8139
This table incorporates his appearances and goals in 2025 qualifiers.

Honours

Club honours

During his club career, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has won seven major team trophies with , , , and . These include league and cup successes across multiple countries. With Saint-Étienne, Aubameyang contributed to the 2013 Coupe de la Ligue triumph, starting in the 1–0 final win over Rennes. With Borussia Dortmund, Aubameyang contributed to back-to-back DFL-Supercup victories. In 2013, Dortmund defeated Bayern Munich 4–2, with Aubameyang scoring once in the match. The following year, in 2014, Dortmund won 2–0 against Bayern Munich, where Aubameyang provided an assist for the opener and scored the second goal himself. Aubameyang's most notable cup triumph came in the 2016–17 , as beat 2–1 in the final. He scored the decisive chipped penalty in the 78th minute to secure the win. At , Aubameyang captained the side to the title, their record-extending 14th victory in the competition. He scored both goals in the 2–0 semi-final win over Manchester City and netted a brace in the 2–1 final victory against Chelsea. also won the , with Aubameyang scoring the opener in a 1–1 draw before securing the victory with the winning penalty in the shootout against . With , Aubameyang was part of the squad that won the title, his first league championship, despite limited appearances that season.

Individual honours

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has accumulated a series of individual accolades throughout his career, recognizing his prolific goal-scoring prowess at both club and international levels. These honors highlight his consistency as a top forward in major European leagues and his impact for . In total, Aubameyang has earned more than 10 major individual awards, including multiple top scorer titles and continental player of the year recognitions.

Key Individual Honors

  • Premier League Golden Boot: Shared winner in the 2018–19 season with 22 goals, alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.
  • Bundesliga Top Scorer: Led the league in the 2016–17 season with 31 goals for Borussia Dortmund.
  • DFL-Supercup Top Scorer: Achieved this distinction twice during his time with Borussia Dortmund, scoring the decisive goals in key matches in 2013 and 2014.
  • African Footballer of the Year: Awarded in 2015 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his outstanding performances, becoming the first Gabonese player to win the honor.
  • UEFA Europa League Top Scorer: 3rd place in the 2018–19 season with 8 goals while playing for Arsenal. Top scorer in the 2023–24 season with 10 goals for Marseille.
  • Ligue 1 Top Scorer (4th place): Finished 4th in the 2023–24 season with 16 goals for Marseille, contributing significantly to the team's attack.
  • Gabon National Team All-Time Top Scorer: Holds the record with 39 goals in 80 appearances as of November 2025.

References

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