Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
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Al Qadsiah have officially announced the departure of Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, bringing an end to his short yet influential spell with the newly promoted Saudi Pro League side. The club confirmed the news with an emotional tribute on social media, stating: “Thank you, Auba, for every moment, every goal, every roar,” in recognition of his contributions during the 2024/25 season.
Reports suggest that Aubameyang has mutually terminated his contract with Al Qadsiah and is now in advanced negotiations for a return to Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille, where he previously enjoyed a highly successful campaign.
Aubameyang, 36, joined Al Qadsiah in July 2024 on a two-year deal following a prolific season at Marseille, where he tallied 30 goals and 11 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions. His move to Saudi Arabia was part of Al Qadsiah’s ambitious recruitment push after gaining promotion, which also included the signing of former Real Madrid captain Nacho.
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In Saudi Arabia, Aubameyang quickly established himself as a key figure, scoring 17 goals and registering 3 assists in 32 league appearances. One of his standout performances came on January 27, 2025, when he scored twice in a 2–1 victory over Al-Hilal. His final game for the club was a 3–1 defeat to Al-Ittihad, where he received a respectable 7.2 Sofascore rating.
Known for his blistering pace, sharp movement, and clinical finishing, Aubameyang delivered 24 goal contributions in 36 matches for Al Qadsiah, proving his enduring quality even in the twilight of his career. His arrival was widely seen as a major coup for the club’s sporting director Carlos Anton, who had been focused on bringing in experienced, high-calibre players to stabilise the team in their return to top-flight football.
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However, it is now understood that Aubameyang requested to leave in order to pursue a return to Marseille, where he forged a strong emotional bond with the club and its fans. Negotiations are reportedly progressing well, with both parties optimistic about finalising a two-year deal that would see the striker return to the Stade Vélodrome.
A return to Marseille would mark another chapter in Aubameyang’s long and decorated career, which has taken him from AC Milan’s youth academy to clubs across France, Germany, England, and now Saudi Arabia. His most iconic spells include winning the DFB-Pokal and Bundesliga Golden Boot with Borussia Dortmund, lifting the Premier League Golden Boot and FA Cup with Arsenal, and being crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2015, the first Gabonese player to receive the honour.
Aubameyang’s father once described his son’s stint at Chelsea as a “nightmare,” but his resurgence at Marseille was widely celebrated as a return to form. The striker previously expressed gratitude to Marseille’s staff, teammates, and supporters for helping him feel “stronger,” underscoring the emotional pull behind his likely return.
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