Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaves Gabon door ajar after suspension and calls for dialogue | OneFootball

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 37, played at AFCON 2025 before being suspended by Gabon’s sports minister after the group-stage exit in Morocco. Mis-transcribed TV comments had suggested he would never return, yet the picture is more nuanced and a comeback this window looks unlikely.

“For now, it is on stand-by after what happened. I was banned and did not really understand why, then the ban was lifted and I still do not understand. I am waiting for people to come and talk to me, and, if I was banned for nothing, maybe have apologies,” he said, speaking to Canal+ Afrique.

He was suspended alongside Bruno Ecuele Manga, the staff and even the team, in a highly populist televised address by the then minister. His remarks were delivered calmly, not confrontationally.

Since then, Paul Kessany, a former team-mate, has become sports minister, Alain Giresse is technical director and Sébastien Migné head coach. They have approached Aubameyang, who remains hurt and unmoved.

“It could be his last big challenge with the Panthers at this AFCON. We can offer him the best send-off, he deserves it,” said Migné.

Migné said he has not made direct contact and will not push, insisting there will be no special privileges. He noted 3 goals in 3 matches for Deportivo La Coruña and hinted November could be the time to reset, with Lesotho a possible stage.

He added the doors are open and the ball is in Aubameyang’s court, and that he would shield him while seeking a leader in the group. If the authorities reach out, a return remains possible.

Source: L'Équipe

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