**Aubameyang Steps Down from Gabon National Team Following AFCON Controversy**
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the captain of the Gabon national football team, has announced his decision to retire from international football, citing feelings of humiliation stemming from his treatment by the Gabonese government and football authorities following the team's poor performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco.
In a candid television interview, the 37-year-old striker expressed his discontent with how he was treated after Gabon's early exit from the tournament, where the team lost all three of its group stage matches, including a defeat against Ivory Coast. Aubameyang stated, “They humiliated and smeared me even though I played at the AFCON while injured. This is the last straw, and I’d rather stop here.”
The Gabonese government had publicly singled out Aubameyang as a key figure responsible for the team's failure, leading to significant backlash from fans and supporters. Following the disappointing results, the government took drastic measures, including the dismissal of the coaching staff and the suspension of Aubameyang along with fellow veteran player Bruno Ecuele Manga. This decision ignited outrage among Gabonese supporters, who felt that the blame placed on the players was unjust.
Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema commented on the situation, stating, “It’s a part of our national identity that has been weakened.” The fallout from the AFCON campaign has raised questions about the future of Gabonese football and the direction of the national team.
Aubameyang, who previously enjoyed a successful career in Europe, notably at Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, has been a pivotal figure for Gabon, holding the record as the nation's all-time leading scorer. His departure from the national team marks a significant loss for Gabon as they prepare for upcoming qualifiers for the next AFCON.
The new national team coach, Sebastien Migne, will now have to adjust his strategies and plans without the experienced striker as Gabon looks to regroup and improve in their upcoming matches. Gabon is set to compete in Group A of the qualifiers alongside World Cup quarter-finalists Morocco, as well as Niger and Lesotho.
As Aubameyang transitions to a new chapter in his career, having recently left Marseille to join Deportivo La Coruna, he remains a prominent figure in European football. His decision to step back from international duties reflects not only personal sentiments but also broader issues within Gabonese football governance and the pressures faced by athletes representing their countries on the international stage.
The Gabonese football community and its supporters will now be left to navigate the implications of Aubameyang's exit and the challenges ahead as they aim to rebuild and restore pride in their national team.