Aubameyang quits Gabon national team after Africa Cup snub

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has announced his retirement from international football with Gabon, bringing an end to his tenure as national team captain. The 35-year-old former Arsenal and Barcelona striker expressed frustration over his exclusion from Gabon's squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which takes place in Morocco.

Aubameyang, who earned 72 caps for Gabon and scored 30 goals for his country, indicated that the manner of his omission from the continental tournament left him feeling undervalued. His departure marks a significant moment for the Central African nation's football program, as he had been a prominent figure in the team's recent campaigns.

The striker's decision to step away comes amid broader discussions about squad selection and player management at the Africa Cup of Nations. Aubameyang's experience and track record at the highest levels of European club football had made him a key figure in Gabon's international setup.

No formal statement regarding alternative candidates for the captaincy or details about the squad selection process has been issued by the Gabon Football Federation at this time. Aubameyang's international career with Gabon now concludes after more than a decade of representing the country on the continental stage.