Aubameyang’s Short-Lived Stint at FC Barcelona: A Flashback to Memorable Moments

Pierre Aubameyang’s time at FC Barcelona may have been brief, but it was undeniably intense. The Gabonese striker, under Xavi’s guidance, didn’t secure any titles during his six months with the Blaugrana, but he certainly won the hearts of Barcelona supporters.

In January 2022, Aubameyang joined the team after securing a free transfer from Arsenal in the final minutes of the winter transfer window. The image of Joan Laporta celebrating with journalists at Ciutat Esportiva as the last-minute deal closed remains etched in memory.

And rightly so. Over his four months in a Barcelona jersey, ‘Auba’ scored 13 goals in 23 appearances, including a standout brace in the resounding 4-0 victory against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. This performance helped restore pride to a team that had been deeply affected since Messi’s departure.

Now, two years after his debut, Barcelona commemorates Aubameyang’s introduction to the Blaugrana jersey on its social media platforms.

On February 6, 2022, Barcelona convincingly defeated Diego Pablo Simeone’s Atlético Madrid 4-2 at Camp Nou. Aubameyang played for just the final 29 minutes, substituting for Adama Traoré, but he already showcased glimpses of his talent.

The victory turned out to be a turning point in Xavi’s season, as the team was criticized for not competing against top-tier opponents and failing to make a strong impression against reputable teams.

FORCED EXIT AND INTERRUPTED RETURN The relationship between Auba and Barcelona concluded that summer, despite Xavi Hernández’s persistent attempts to halt his departure during the summer transfer window. The sports management, with Lewandowski’s signing, did not deem his presence essential and saw the striker as an opportunity to generate revenue.

His increasing salary for the season and the club’s economic situation were the main factors that led Barcelona to accept Chelsea’s €12 million offer for a 33-year-old player who was expected to be a substitute.

A year later, Aubameyang’s return was a genuine option. Barcelona considered him a valuable addition to support Lewandowski, who experienced a decline in goal-scoring form in early 2023. However, Chelsea’s refusal to grant him a free transfer deterred Barcelona, ultimately leading them to opt for a future-oriented signing: Vitor Roque. This decision left Aubameyang with no options in Barcelona, prompting his move to Marseille.