“Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Recounts Harrowing Armed Robbery That Broke His Jaw”
Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has opened up about the traumatic armed robbery that left him with a broken jaw and deeply affected his family. The incident, which occurred in January 2022 while Aubameyang was awaiting news of a transfer to Chelsea from Barcelona, remains a pivotal and haunting moment in his life.
The 35-year-old Gabonese forward revealed details of the burglary, during which a group of armed men entered his Barcelona home, assaulted him, and threatened his family. The ordeal not only left physical scars but also created long-lasting psychological impacts on Aubameyang and his loved ones.
A Terrifying Encounter
In an interview with The Athletic, Aubameyang recounted the chilling events that unfolded that night. “My eldest son came running and said to me, ‘Dad, some guys are in the house.’ I said, ‘Just hide,’” Aubameyang shared. The burglars, armed with weapons, entered the house through the garden where Aubameyang’s wife, cousin, and cousin’s boyfriend were present. They quickly took control of the situation, threatening the family.
“They came in with a gun, and my wife was screaming. One of them grabbed my cousin’s boyfriend and forced their way into the house,” Aubameyang described.
A Fight That Turned Violent
As the burglars stormed the home, Aubameyang initially attempted to defend his family. He grabbed a bottle and confronted the intruders, but the situation escalated quickly. “There were four or five guys. One of them had a gun and said to me, ‘Just go down.’ I refused and asked them what they wanted. That’s when they started punching me.”
The attack turned brutal, with one of the burglars wearing gloves containing metal. The repeated punches to Aubameyang’s face resulted in a broken jaw. Despite his efforts to resist, the danger to his children and sister-in-law forced him to comply with the burglars’ demands. “They went downstairs and took my kids and sister-in-law. At that point, I couldn’t do anything. If I did something wrong, they could have hurt them,” he recalled.
Lingering Trauma for the Family
The immediate aftermath of the burglary was devastating for the family. While a move to Chelsea a few days later provided Aubameyang with some physical distance from the scene of the attack, the emotional scars lingered. “My youngest child couldn’t sleep for a year after the intrusion,” Aubameyang said. “Every time the kids are alone, they feel scared.”
Aubameyang admitted that he struggled with the trauma, often reliving the events in his mind. “I spent so many nights not sleeping at all, just thinking about that night. You have some nightmares. It’s always there in the back of your mind.”
The emotional toll also affected his performance on the pitch. “I’m a guy who, if I’m not sleeping well, I can’t give my best. I can’t deliver what people expect from me,” he said.
Impact on the Family’s Future
The robbery not only altered Aubameyang’s career trajectory but also changed his family’s perspective on Barcelona. Despite still owning the house where the incident occurred, Aubameyang has refrained from returning to the property. “I still have the house, but I haven’t gone back since. My kids don’t even want to visit Barcelona anymore. Their school once organized a trip there, and they said, ‘No chance.’”
The family’s reluctance to revisit the city reflects the deep psychological impact the event had on them. Aubameyang admitted that he regrets not seeking professional help after the incident. “I made a mistake by not talking to anyone. If I had reached out to a therapist or psychologist, maybe it would have helped. But I didn’t want to do anything. To tell you the truth, I was lost.”
Moving Forward: Lessons from a Life-Altering Event
While Aubameyang has since moved on to new clubs and experiences, the robbery remains a defining moment in his life. It not only highlighted the vulnerabilities of high-profile athletes but also underscored the importance of mental health support in coping with trauma.
For Aubameyang, sharing his story now is a step toward healing and raising awareness about the challenges faced by victims of violent crime. Despite the pain and fear, he continues to focus on his family’s safety and well-being as he navigates life after the harrowing ordeal.
READ NEXT:
