"They humiliated me": Aubameyang refuses to play for Gabon before facing Morocco
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has officially withdrawn from the Gabon national team, citing public humiliation by government authorities following the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The 37-year-old striker expressed deep resentment over being blamed for the team's group-stage exit.
Why it matters
This development impacts the Gabon national team's roster stability ahead of upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers and highlights ongoing tensions between players and national sports federations.
"They insulted me": Aubameyang refuses to play for Gabon ahead of Morocco clash P. Aubameyang Morocco vs Gabon Morocco Gabon Africa Cup of Nations Qualification Gabon Morocco The all-time top scorer is upset at the way he has been treated
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the captain of Gabon's national team, has announced his withdrawal from the squad, months after being excluded from the roster in the wake of the disappointing exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The 37-year-old confirmed that the way the responsible authorities dealt with him after the tournament prompted him to step away, having been excluded before later being reinstated.
Speaking in a television interview highlighted by French network RMC , Gabon's captain said: "They humiliated me and tarnished my image, even though I took part in the Africa Cup of Nations while injured. That was the final straw, and I would rather stop here."
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