Aubameyang and Troopz Reunion
Olympique Marseille’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang climbed 12 places to 172nd overall in the latest Goalden View Popularity Ranking (GVPR). The former Arsenal striker’s popularity began rising after unexpectedly joining a live charity stream hosted by popular Arsenal YouTuber, Troopz. The purpose of the stream was to raise money for Jamaica due to the widespread destruction of Hurricane Melissa. The former Gunners captain stayed on the stream for over 30 minutes, joking with fans and answering questions — but one quote dominated the football world.
He explained that the transfer was driven by personal circumstances and market pressures, leaving no room for doubt about his true feelings on the subject. Aubameyang’s remarks quickly spread across social media, turning the stream into one of the biggest talking points of the week.
London Love
Aubameyang’s rise stemmed from controversy and fan engagement, a combination that always moves the GVPR needle.
His candid criticism of his move to Chelsea risked alienating fans of the London club. Harsh comments about a former team tend to divide audiences, creating a split of both support and backlash online.
However, joining a fan-led charity stream — especially one rooted in Arsenal culture — earned him genuine praise. His appearance on Troopz’s stream helped him engage with fans on a personal level outside of football. Sentiment amongst Arsenal supporters was massively positive. His appearance on the stream was seen as more than just a kind gesture, but rather a player reconnecting with his old fanbase. His willingness to speak openly, laugh, and interact with everyone created a positive impression that softened the impact of his controversial admission.
The result is a balanced but overall positive boost. The controversy created attention. The Troopz appearance created connection. Together, they elevated his profile and drove his popularity higher.
GVPR Roundup
At Goalden View, our algorithm tracks who is being discussed the most and the sentiment associated with the conversation. While Aubameyang’s honest confession drew criticisms, his fan-first approach helped swing the sentiment pendulum towards the positive. Simply being at the centre of the conversation doesn’t necessarily make you the most popular. How a player is perceived is just as important, if not more so.