Former Arsenal captain wants African Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has set his sights on capturing a second African Ballon d’Or, a title he first claimed in 2015.

Marseille’s French forward #10 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first-leg football match between Olympique de Marseille and Villareal CF at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, souteastern France, on March 7, 2024. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

“This is the culmination of this season and I hope to win the African Ballon d’Or,” said Aubameyang, reflecting on his recent success in front of goal.

The Gabonese striker has netted 16 goals in Ligue 1 and 10 in the Europa League this season. With two more matches remaining against Reims and Le Havre, Aubameyang has the opportunity to further boost his goal tally.

Currently, only Serhou Guirassy with 26 goals for Stuttgart in the Bundesliga and Mohamed Salah with 18 goals for Liverpool have outscored Aubameyang among African players in Europe’s top leagues this season.

Marseille’s French-Gabonese forward #10 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between FC Lorient and Olympique Marseille (OM) at the Stade du Moustoir in Lorient, western France, on December 10, 2023. (Photo by LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite his impressive form, Aubameyang‘s future at Olympique de Marseille remains uncertain. Financial constraints and the club’s struggle to secure European competition spots could lead to his departure. Reports suggest that even with European qualification, the financial burden of Aubameyang‘s salary might force the club to part ways with their star striker.

Named the club’s best player for the 2023-2024 season, Aubameyang‘s performances have been pivotal. His brace against Lorient kept Marseille in the hunt for European qualification. However, OM president Pablo Longoria‘s ability to retain the 34-year-old striker hinges on the team’s final league position.