Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is back in Ligue 1. The 36-year-old forward has officially rejoined Olympique de Marseille on a free transfer, just a year after departing the French side for Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah.
The Gabonese international has signed a contract with Marseille that runs until 2027, marking his second stint at the club where he enjoyed a prolific spell during the 2023–24 season.
Aubameyang initially joined Marseille from Chelsea in 2023 and quickly became a fan favourite, netting 30 goals and providing 11 assists in 51 appearances. His dynamic performances helped Marseille mount a strong domestic and European campaign, reigniting his career after a difficult spell in England.
In the summer of 2024, Aubameyang made the lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Qadsiah, where he continued to perform impressively, scoring 21 goals and registering three assists in 36 appearances. He played a key role in helping the team secure a fourth-place league finish and reach the King’s Cup final. However, after a mutual agreement earlier this month, the striker departed the club as a free agent.
His return to Marseille adds firepower and experience to Gennaro Gattuso’s attacking line-up, especially with the club looking to challenge Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 and make a deeper run in European competition.
This latest move marks Aubameyang’s fifth club since his high-profile exit from Arsenal in February 2022. His tenure at the Emirates saw him score 68 goals in 128 Premier League matches, win the FA Cup in 2020, and wear the captain’s armband, until disciplinary issues led to his departure by mutual consent.
Brief spells at Barcelona and Chelsea followed, but it was at Marseille where he appeared to rediscover his sharpness in front of goal. Now, at 36, he returns to the Stade Vélodrome aiming to close out his European career on a high note.
The veteran forward remains Gabon’s all-time top scorer and is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most lethal finishers of the past decade.
