Aubameyang, the Valencia ogre in La Liga

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has started the 2026/27 La Liga season exactly as he always does: by scoring. The Deportivo striker, now a veteran of the Galicians' attack, netted two goals in the first two league matches, reminding everyone that his goal-scoring instinct remains sharp after more than a decade at the highest level. And when it comes to Valencia, his name is like a bad memory for the Mestalla faithful. Deportivo, back in the top flight, would do well to keep a close eye on this Gabonese forward, who has already left his mark on the history of the Valencian club.

 

Aubameyang, Valencia’s historic nemesis

Against Valencia, Aubameyang has never been just another opponent—he has been a true curse. His record against Mestalla is staggering. In four official matches, the Gabonese forward has been involved in three wins and one draw, scoring seven goals and providing one assist. No other club seems to bring out such efficiency in him. Aubameyang’s record against Valencia is even more exceptional: three goals in a single game, a feat he has achieved only once in La Liga. It happened on February 20, 2022, in a match where he scored a hat-trick for Barcelona, crushing Valencia 1-4 at Mestalla. At the time, Xavi Hernández had signed him mid-season, and Aubameyang had already scored twice before halftime, before completing the scoring with a fourth goal later credited to him after his shot was deflected—originally awarded to Pedri. But Aubameyang’s history with Valencia goes back even further. In the 2018/19 Europa League semifinals, the Gabonese forward had already humiliated the Valencian club. He scored and provided an assist in Arsenal’s 3-1 win in London, then followed it up with another hat-trick at Mestalla to seal Valencia’s elimination (2-4) and send the English side to the final. A performance that left a lasting impression and cemented Aubameyang’s reputation as a formidable opponent.

Deportivo, the new stage for an impending revenge

With Deportivo La Coruña back in La Liga and Aubameyang in top form, Valencia has every reason to be concerned. The Gabonese striker, now wearing the Galician colors, has already shown he hasn’t lost any of his speed or scoring instinct. His return to Spain’s top flight with a club in need of stability could well stir up old ghosts for the Valencia faithful. From his performances at Arsenal, Barcelona, and now Deportivo, Aubameyang has left an indelible mark on the recent history of the Mestalla club. Seven goals in four matches, an average of 1.75 goals per game—figures that speak for themselves. Against a player like Aubameyang, accustomed to shining in big games, Valencia will need to be extra vigilant. The Gabonese forward has repeatedly proven his knack for decisive moments, and his return to the top flight with an ambitious club like Deportivo could add another layer to an already intense rivalry. For Valencia supporters, the prospect of seeing Aubameyang play in La Liga this season is far from reassuring. The 2026 World Cup may have diverted attention, but the Aubameyang threat remains very real. As Deportivo seeks to establish itself permanently among the elite and Valencia attempts to rebuild after turbulent seasons, the Gabonese striker could well play the spoiler. His trophy cabinet speaks for itself: English champion, Europa League winner, top scorer for his national team… and now a new target in Spain. Valencia, which has already suffered the worst nightmares against Aubameyang, may not be done paying the price.