Official | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returns to Marseille on free transfer | OneFootball

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (36) has made a completed a surprise return to Ligue 1 and Olympique de Marseille, rejoining the club on a two-year deal after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah. The 36-year-old striker returns to the Vélodrome on a free transfer, just one year after his prolific campaign in Provence. After being welcomed at Marseille Provence airport to a crowd of OM supporters yesterday evening, the former Arsenal man completed his medical today before being officially announced.

The Gabon international previously wore the OM shirt during the 2023-24 season and scored 30 goals in all competitions, left the club last summer following the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi. At the time, the Italian coach was reportedly keen to keep Aubameyang. Speaking to L’Équipe on last Friday, De Zerbi admitted: “He’s a super player, a great person. I was disappointed when he left last season.”His transfer was initially delayed after some reported administrative issues, which were cleared up in the last week – with the player now cleared to make his return as soon as this Saturday when Marseille face Sevilla in a club friendly at the Stade Vélodrome (20:00 CET).

Aubameyang managed 17 goals in 32 league appearances for Al-Qadsiah during the 2024-25 campaign in the Saudi Pro League, but the veteran forward now returns to Marseille with unfinished business. His return also marks a second Ligue 1 chapter more than a decade after his explosive emergence at AS Saint-Étienne, where he scored 37 goals between 2011 and 2013, earning a silver boot behind Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2012-13.

Twelve years, four countries, and over 300 career goals later, Aubameyang’s reunion with Marseille feels symbolic. His 2023-24 campaign at OM began slowly but quickly took off, particularly in Europe. He played a vital role in their run to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, where they ultimately lost to eventual winners Atalanta BC.

Now, Marseille’s return to the UEFA Champions League – secured via a second-place finish in Ligue 1 under De Zerbi – offers Aubameyang one more shot at elite European football.GFFN | George Boxall