Aubameyang’s Chelsea Plot Twist: Grave Mistake, Lockdown Break-In, and a Marseille Comeback
13 November 2025
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Marseille striker and Gabon captain, described his 2022 move to Chelsea as a monumental mistake, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes that were meant to reunite him with his former Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel.
The Gabonese forward spent a large part of his career at Arsenal, who signed him in 2018 from Borussia Dortmund. Yet a famous clash with coach Mikel Arteta soured his latest Emirates stint, pushing him to Barcelona after four years in London.
Nevertheless, fans were surprised when Aubameyang returned to the Premier League within months, in a deal that seemed set to pair him again with Tuchel, who was then Chelsea’s manager. But fate had other plans: mere days after his arrival in West London, Tuchel was sacked and Graham Potter installed, steering much of the striker’s difficult spell with the Blues as he endured a rocky stretch in front of his former supporters.
In an interview with Troopz, the Arsenal-leaning content creator, Aubameyang labeled the Chelsea move as “a very wrong step… a grave mistake.” He explained the decision’s context, noting Barcelona’s rough period, a home invasion, and the club’s need to sell a player—either him or Memphis Depay—with Chelsea as the lone offer. He chose to move “for family reasons,” even if that meant crossing to Chelsea’s blue side.
He added that he hoped things would pan out as in Olivier Giroud’s seamless switch from Arsenal to Chelsea, but admitted his experience was entirely different. "I thought things would be fine," he said, reflecting on the misalignment between expectations and reality.
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Calamitous Chelsea season
Aubameyang’s difficult stint at Chelsea coincided with a significant downturn at the club following a change in ownership. The 2022 signing rounded out a summer influx that included Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Wesley Fofana, all part of a renewed push by the new owners to launch a bold project.
The Gabonese forward managed just three goals in 21 appearances across all competitions, unable to replicate his Giroud-esque Chelsea-to-Arsenal success in blue, and his struggles were a sore point for a fanbase already wary of early-season upheaval.
Nightmare break-in and violence
Aubameyang’s Chelsea chapter was overshadowed by a traumatic incident at his home in Castelldefels near Barcelona, where four intruders entered, threatened his wife with a weapon, and assaulted him, leaving a fractured jaw after a blow with a metal-wrapped glove. The intruders took his jewelry, watches, and a white Audi A3, forcing the family to retreat into a shell of security and caution.
The psychological scars lingered. In January, Aubameyang spoke about the impact on his family, describing years of sleepless nights and recurring nightmares. “I’m a person who, if I don’t sleep well, can’t deliver what’s expected on the pitch,” he confessed, noting that his children still fear being alone at home.
World Cup dream
After a season of adversity, Aubameyang pivoted to Marseille, seeking stability and a chance to prove his enduring quality. He returned to the French club in the summer of 2025 after a brief spell in Saudi Arabia, and has hit the ground running with 5 goals and 6 assists in 14 appearances across all competitions this season.
In Ligue 1, he’s tallied 4 goals and 3 assists in 10 matches; in the Champions League, he’s contributed 1 goal and 3 assists across 4 appearances. The 2024-25 Saudi spell with Al-Qadsiah preceded his return to Europe, continuing his pursuit of form and impact for Marseille.
On the international stage, Aubameyang remains focused on a World Cup dream with Gabon. The team sits in a crucial playoff position, aiming to reach the intercontinental path after advancing to the African playoff semi-finals. Gabon finished second in their qualifying group with 25 points, behind Ivory Coast, who sealed direct qualification. Aubameyang’s personal record includes a 4-goal performance in a key qualifying clash, part of a campaign that kept Gabon’s World Cup hopes alive.
As the national team navigates the semi-final against Nigeria, the winner awaits a final spot against Cameroon or the Congo in a continental final that would propel Africa into the global playoff. If Gabon advances, the road to Qatar or any global showcase remains open, a beacon of hope for a veteran star who has faced everything from home invasions to managerial upheaval and still believes in another moment in the sun.
In the end, Aubameyang’s career is a reminder that football is a rollercoaster: you ride the highs, you survive the lows, and sometimes you score a goal while wearing a protective mask. And if the plot twists keep coming, at least you’ll have a good punchline prepared: Chelsea transfers are like meteorology—predictable only when you’ve seen every manager walk through the door. Punchline 1: If Chelsea’s plan is to have a plan, they should hire a weather forecaster; the forecast is always rain on the transfer window. Punchline 2: Aubameyang moved for family; the family now knows the road to success is paved with red cards, new managers, and a season that keeps rearranging itself like a deck of cards in a magician’s hand.
