Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced that he does not wish to play for the Gabon national team at this time, citing mistreatment related to events surrounding the recent Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The 37-year-old striker expressed his frustration during an interview on the Talent d’Afrique programme broadcast by Canal+, stating he felt “humiliated” and that his reputation had been unfairly damaged despite participating in the tournament while carrying an injury.

Gabon competed in the Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026 but was eliminated after losing all three of its group stage matches. In the aftermath, the Gabonese government imposed a suspension on the national team and notably excluded Aubameyang, who served as the team captain. The suspensions were subsequently lifted following the appointment of Paul Ulrich Kessany, a former international player, as the new minister of sports.

This latest announcement is not Aubameyang’s first decision to step away from the national squad. He initially informed the Gabonese Football Federation in May 2022 that he would no longer be available for selection. However, he returned in 2023 and, over his international career, has earned 80 caps and scored 40 goals.

Aubameyang’s club career has included notable stints at Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Olympique Marseille. He currently plays for Deportivo A Coruna, recently promoted to La Liga, where he has made a strong start with three goals in as many games.

The veteran forward’s comments underline ongoing tensions within Gabon’s football structure and highlight the challenges faced by the national team as it seeks to rebuild after a disappointing continental campaign.