Arsenal Players

General Information

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (born 18 June 1989) is a Gabonese professional footballer and former Arsenal captain, celebrated for his blistering pace, instinctive finishing, and charismatic leadership. He played for Arsenal from 2018 to 2022, scoring crucial goals and becoming one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards. During his tenure, he won the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2018–19 season and played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s 2020 FA Cup victory. Aubameyang combined speed, movement, and composure, making him a constant threat for defenders and a central figure in the Gunners’ attack.

Early Life and Youth Career
Aubameyang was born in Laval, France, into a footballing family. His father, Pierre Aubameyang, played professionally, and his brothers also pursued careers in football. He spent his formative years developing across European youth academies, including AC Milan, where he honed his technical skills and work ethic. Aubameyang’s early exposure to professional environments shaped his understanding of tactical play, positioning, and finishing. Coaches and teammates noted his extraordinary pace and natural ability to score, even in his teenage years. He moved between youth systems in France, Italy, and Spain, gaining experience in varied football cultures that helped mold his attacking instincts.

Rise in European Club Football
Aubameyang’s senior breakthrough occurred with Saint-Étienne in France, where he quickly became known for his speed and goal-scoring instinct. During the 2011–12 season, he netted 19 Ligue 1 goals, drawing attention from major European clubs. In 2013, he moved to Borussia Dortmund in Germany. Under Jürgen Klopp, Aubameyang flourished. His pace, timing, and finishing made him one of Europe’s deadliest forwards. He won the Bundesliga Golden Boot in 2016–17 and helped Dortmund lift the DFB-Pokal. During his time in Germany, Aubameyang demonstrated versatility, often switching between central striker and wide attacking roles. His ability to read defenses and exploit spaces behind defenders became a hallmark of his style.

Arsenal Career (2018–2022)
In January 2018, Aubameyang joined Arsenal, making an immediate impact by scoring twice on his full debut against Everton. He quickly became a fan favourite due to his pace, finishing, and flair. In the 2018–19 season, he scored 22 league goals, winning the Premier League Golden Boot. His leadership qualities were recognised when he became club captain, guiding younger players on and off the pitch. Aubameyang’s most memorable Arsenal moment came in the 2020 FA Cup final against Chelsea, where he scored the winning goal to secure the trophy.

Throughout his Arsenal career, Aubameyang’s playing style allowed him to be dynamic in attack. He could stretch defenses with runs behind opposition lines, combine with midfielders, and finish with either foot or his head. Arteta often relied on him in multiple positions, sometimes out wide or as the main striker. Despite occasional dips in form or minor disciplinary issues, his influence on games and ability to score crucial goals never waned.

International Career
Aubameyang has been a key figure for Gabon since making his debut in 2009. He became Gabon’s all-time leading scorer, representing his country in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He frequently captained the national team, providing leadership, experience, and decisive goals in high-pressure matches. His international performances demonstrated the same qualities that defined his club career: pace, composure, and the ability to change games in an instant.

Playing Style and Strengths
Aubameyang is known for his incredible acceleration, allowing him to beat defenders in open spaces. He is clinical in one-on-one situations and has an instinctive understanding of when to make runs. His technical ability, composure in front of goal, and versatility across the forward line made him a constant threat in domestic and European competitions. He also demonstrated leadership qualities, often motivating teammates and taking responsibility during key moments. Defensively, he contributed with pressing, though his main value always came from attacking output.

Challenges
Aubameyang occasionally struggled with consistency and discipline. These moments sometimes affected his form and availability. Additionally, adapting to the tactical demands of the Premier League required him to balance his attacking instincts with defensive responsibilities. Despite these challenges, his natural talent, work rate, and professionalism ensured he remained influential for Arsenal.

Legacy
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s legacy at Arsenal is defined by goals, leadership, and unforgettable moments, including the FA Cup-winning strike in 2020. He remains one of the most iconic forwards in modern Arsenal history. His combination of speed, finishing ability, and charisma made him a fan favourite and a player remembered for turning games in the Gunners’ favour. Aubameyang’s impact continues to resonate with supporters, reflecting a career marked by brilliance, commitment, and memorable performances.