Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s football journey has been a rollercoaster of success, controversy, and unexpected turns.
From his early days as a promising talent to becoming a prolific goal-scorer and then facing managerial fallouts, his career has been anything but dull.
Early Career: From AC Milan to Bundesliga Stardom
Aubameyang’s career began at AC Milan, but he never made a first-team appearance. Instead, he spent time on loan at clubs like Dijon, Lille, and Monaco before making a permanent move to Saint-Étienne in 2011. It was here that his goal-scoring prowess became evident, leading to a move to Borussia Dortmund in 2013.
At Dortmund, Aubameyang flourished, filling the void left by Robert Lewandowski. He won the Bundesliga Golden Boot in the 2016-17 season, scoring 31 goals. His blistering pace, clinical finishing, and charisma made him a fan favorite. However, his time in Germany ended controversially, with disciplinary issues and a desire to leave forcing Dortmund to sell him in January 2018.
Arsenal: From Captain to Castaway
Aubameyang arrived at Arsenal for a then-club-record fee of £56 million. He hit the ground running, sharing the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2018-19 season with 22 goals. In 2020, he led Arsenal to FA Cup glory, scoring twice in the final against Chelsea. His heroics earned him a lucrative contract extension, and he was seen as the club’s talisman.
However, his time at Arsenal unraveled under Mikel Arteta. After a series of disciplinary breaches, including returning late from a personal trip, he was stripped of the captaincy in December 2021. His relationship with Arteta soured, and he was frozen out of the squad. This led to his dramatic departure on a free transfer to Barcelona in January 2022.
Barcelona & Chelsea: A Brief Revival and a Quick Exit
At Barcelona, Aubameyang initially rediscovered his form, scoring 13 goals in the second half of the 2021-22 season. But the arrival of Robert Lewandowski made him surplus to requirements, prompting a move to Chelsea in September 2022. His stint at Stamford Bridge was forgettable, with limited game time and a lack of impact.
Marseille & Al-Qadsiah: The Latest Chapters
Aubameyang’s career has now taken him to Marseille, where he continues to showcase his goal-scoring ability. While no longer at the peak of his powers, he remains a lethal forward capable of making a difference. In the summer of 2024, newly promoted Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah signed Aubameyang on a two-year contract.
Legacy: A Career of Talent and Turmoil
Aubameyang’s career is a testament to his immense talent but also highlights the impact of off-field discipline and managerial relationships. From Bundesliga dominance to Arsenal heroics and unexpected exits, he remains one of football’s most intriguing figures. His legacy will be remembered for his electric pace, iconic celebrations, and the controversies that followed him throughout his journey.
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