Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has expressed his desire to continue playing football well into his 40s as he aims to lead Gabon to their first-ever World Cup qualification. The 35-year-old striker remains confident in his abilities and sees no reason to consider retirement any time soon.
Aubameyang is currently in Nairobi with the Gabon national team, preparing for a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kenya. Despite being at an age where many players contemplate retirement, he remains highly motivated and determined to keep playing at the highest level.
“Age is just a number. Players play until 40, 41, and I am only 35. I still have time, and I feel good, which is the most important thing,” Aubameyang shared with reporters. “As long as I feel healthy, I will continue playing and giving my best.”
His commitment to the game mirrors that of legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo, who is also looking to compete in the 2026 World Cup at 41 years old. Aubameyang hopes to follow a similar path, maintaining his fitness and high-performance levels for years to come.
Gabon currently sits second in Group F of the African qualifiers, with 12 points from five matches, just one point behind leaders Ivory Coast. To secure a place in the World Cup, they must either finish at the top of the group or advance through the playoffs.
Securing qualification would be a historic achievement for Gabon, and Aubameyang is fully aware of the significance of the challenge. “Qualifying for the World Cup would be something crazy and amazing. It has never happened before, so it is a big target for us. It would be my best dream, and hopefully, we will achieve it.”
Throughout his career, Aubameyang has played for some of the world’s biggest clubs, including AC Milan, Saint-Etienne, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, and Marseille. Currently, he is showcasing his talent in Saudi Arabia with Al-Qadsiah. His impressive record as Gabon’s all-time leading scorer, with 33 goals in 80 appearances, highlights his immense contribution to his national team.
As he prepares to lead Gabon against Kenya, Aubameyang remains focused on his long-term career goals. His dedication to maintaining his fitness and passion for the game suggests he has plenty more to offer, and if he continues at this level, he could indeed play well into his 40s.
