In a move that has sent waves of excitement through the Marseille fanbase, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has officially re-joined Olympique de Marseille on a free transfer, marking his return to the Ligue 1 club after a brief stint in the Saudi Pro League. The 36-year-old Gabonese striker, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring ability, signed a two-year contract with Les Phocéens, set to run until June 2027.
Aubameyang’s return to the Stade Vélodrome was finalized on July 31, 2025, following his termination of a two-year contract with Al-Qadsiah, where he scored an impressive 21 goals in 36 appearances during the 2024-25 season. His decision to reject lucrative offers from Saudi clubs, including Al-Ettifaq, in favour of re-joining Marseille underscores his affinity for the club and his desire to compete in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League under manager Roberto De Zerbi.
⚪️🔵🇬🇦 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, officially back to Olympique Marseille. 🔙
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 31, 2025
Here Auba with Pablo Longoria, Mehdi Benatia and his agents from Premier Sports Talent. pic.twitter.com/LdqKdW3Qg8
A Hero’s Return to the Stade Vélodrome
The former Arsenal and Chelsea forward is no stranger to Marseille, having enjoyed a remarkable 2023-24 season with the club. During that campaign, Aubameyang netted 30 goals and provided 11 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions, cementing his status as a fan favourite. His lethal finishing in the UEFA Europa League saw him become the competition’s all-time top scorer with 31 goals, a record set after a strike against Shakhtar Donetsk in February 2024.
Aubameyang’s arrival in Marseille on July 30, 2025, was met with a rapturous welcome from hundreds of supporters at Marignane airport. Videos circulating on social media captured the striker joining fans in chanting “Qui ne saute pas n’est pas Marseillais,” a testament to his immediate connection with the passionate Marseille faithful. The club’s official X account celebrated his return with the statement, “Bien sûr que la foudre peut frapper 2 fois au même endroit!”, accompanied by a video showcasing his past heroics in the Marseille jersey.
A Strategic Signing for Marseille’s Ambitions
Marseille’s acquisition of Aubameyang is a significant coup for a club aiming to build on their second-place finish in Ligue 1 last season, which secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The signing aligns with the club’s aggressive transfer strategy, which has also seen the arrivals of Mason Greenwood, Amine Gouiri, Jonathan Rowe, and the imminent addition of Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao for a club-record fee.
While Aubameyang may not be an automatic starter in De Zerbi’s revamped attacking lineup, his experience, versatility, and proven goal-scoring prowess make him a valuable asset. Capable of playing as a central striker or on the left wing, he offers tactical flexibility and depth to a squad brimming with attacking talent. Eurosport noted that his return symbolizes Marseille’s ambition to elevate their offensive output, describing the move as part of a “net montée en gamme” in their attacking department.
Overcoming Administrative Hurdles
The transfer was not without its challenges. Aubameyang’s initial arrival, planned for July 22, 2025, was delayed due to administrative formalities, as reported by Foot Mercato and Get French Football News. Marseille worked diligently to resolve these issues, ensuring the move was finalized by July 31. The club’s statement emphasized their commitment to completing the transfer “in the best possible conditions and as quickly as possible,” a promise fulfilled with Aubameyang’s medical and contract signing.
A Storied Career Returns to Familiar Ground
Aubameyang’s journey back to Marseille caps a remarkable career that has seen him shine at clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea. His accolades include a DFB-Pokal with Dortmund, an FA Cup with Arsenal, and a La Liga title with Barcelona in 2022-23. Named African Footballer of the Year in 2016, Aubameyang remains Gabon’s all-time leading scorer with 35 goals and continues to captain the national team.
His return to Marseille is not just a homecoming but a statement of intent from both player and club. For Aubameyang, it’s a chance to rekindle his love affair with the Marseille faithful and compete at the highest level in Europe. For Olympique de Marseille, it’s a bold step toward reclaiming their place among Ligue 1’s elite and making an impact in the Champions League.
As the 2025-26 season looms, all eyes will be on Aubameyang to see if he can replicate the magic of his first spell and help propel Marseille to new heights. The lightning, it seems, is ready to strike again.
