Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang becomes UEFA Europa League's all-time top goal scorer

Marseille's forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has become the all-time top goalscorer in the UEFA Europa League. 

The 34-year-old star player kicked a goal in a match against Shakhtar Donetsk, making it his 31st goal in the UEFA Europa League. With the goal, he's now the top scorer in the history of this big European competition.

The Gabonese forward's journey from Arsenal to Marseille has been nothing short of remarkable. 

Aubameyang has been playing football for a long time, with teams like Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona, and now Marseille. Even though he had a tough time at Arsenal and Chelsea, he's bounced back with Marseille, scoring 15 goals in his first season.

Aubameyang's defining moment occurred in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second leg match against Shakhtar Donetsk. With characteristic flair, he found the net, securing his 31st goal in the competition. 

The achievement lifted him past the previous record-holder, Radamel Falcao, and solidifies his status as one of the tournament's legends.

The forward's remarkable tally spans a career dotted with contributions to various European clubs. From his early days at Milan to stints with Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona, and now Marseille, Aubameyang's goal-scoring capability has left an indelible mark on the Europa League.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's journey to this historic milestone has been filled with highs and lows. Stripped of the Arsenal captaincy in 2021, Aubameyang faced challenges that led to a move to Barcelona and eventually landing at Chelsea. However, his time at Stamford Bridge was tumultuous, when he could score only three goals in 21 appearances.

Aubameyang's resurgence at Marseille, though, paints a different picture. His 15 goals in 31 games during his inaugural season with the Ligue 1 side attest to a player rediscovering his form and proving his mettle on the European stage.

The significance of this accomplishment becomes even more pronounced when considering the context of the Europa League's evolution. The achievement is even more special because it includes only goals scored after the Europa League was rebranded from the UEFA Cup. If we counted goals from before that, Henrik Larsson would be just one goal ahead of Aubameyang.

Marseille's star forward has not just scored goals; he's etched his legacy into the fabric of the UEFA Europa League, leaving an indomitable mark for generations to come.