Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Exits AFCON Early
Injuries and elimination brought a premature end to AFCON 2025 for one of the tournament’s most recognizable names.
An early goodbye at AFCON 2025
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not feature in Africa Cup of Nations’ final group-stage match for Gabon against Ivory Coast. The striker, currently with Olympique de Marseille, has returned to France after suffering discomfort in his left thigh, with his national team already mathematically eliminated from the competition.
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At 36 years old, Aubameyang arrived at the tournament carrying physical issues, and with nothing left at stake for Gabon, the decision was made not to risk him further.
Medical decision agreed with Marseille
The Gabonese Football Federation confirmed the move in an official statement, explaining that the decision was taken in coordination with the player’s club.
“In agreement with his club, the medical staff decided to protect the player’s physical integrity by excusing him from the final group match, which no longer had anything at stake,” the federation said.
The priority for both Gabon and Marseille has been to avoid aggravating the injury and allow Aubameyang to continue his recovery under club supervision.
A frustrating tournament for Gabon
Aubameyang was initially expected to sit out Gabon’s opening match against Cameroon as a precaution, but he ultimately featured in the 1-0 defeat to the Indomitable Lions. Gabon then suffered a 3-2 loss to Mozambique in the second round — a historic result for Mozambique that sealed Gabon’s elimination from the tournament.
As a result, Aubameyang’s AFCON 2025 campaign comes to an abrupt end, reflecting a competition defined more by frustration than fulfillment for both player and country.
