Bruno Ecuele Manga has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a career spanning nearly 20 years with the Gabon national team.
The 37-year-old central defender confirmed his decision in a statement posted on social media, following what proved to be his final appearance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ecuele Manga, widely regarded as one of Gabon’s most influential defenders, made his international debut in 2006 during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Ivory Coast.
Over the years, he became a central figure in the national team, earning a record 113 caps and surpassing the previous mark held by Didier Ovono.
His international journey included participation in six AFCON tournaments, with the 2010 edition standing out as a personal highlight despite Gabon exiting at the group stage.
In 2012, he played every match as the team topped their group before being eliminated in the quarter-finals. That same year, he also featured as one of the senior players in Gabon’s squad at the Olympic Games in London, where the team exited in the group stage.
In later years, Ecuele Manga remained a consistent presence, including a role in Gabon’s campaign at the 2018 King’s Cup in Thailand, where the side finished third.
In September 2025, he reached a major milestone, earning his 113th cap in a World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast.
However, his final months with the national team were not without challenges.
Following Gabon’s disappointing performance at the 2025 AFCON, where they finished bottom of their group, Ecuele Manga was among players temporarily banned by the government before the decision was later reversed.
Announcing his retirement, the defender reflected on his long association with the national team in an emotional message.
“There are chapters that we begin with the carefree spirit of youth and others that we close with the immense and sacred weight of history.
“After nearly twenty years wearing the jersey of the Panthers of Gabon, the time has come for me to turn the most precious page of my life. Wearing these colors has never been just a job: it was a part of me, a responsibility felt with every beat of my heart.
“Since my first selection in 2006, every time I stepped onto the pitch, every anthem, and every glance at the flag has transformed me. I learned about commitment, pushing my limits, and the unconditional love of a country, my country, Gabon.
“Looking back, I don’t just see victories or defeats; I see faces, struggles, and unbreakable bonds.
“Today, I leave the international stage with a heavy heart, but with immense gratitude. I will forever remain a son of the Panthers and I will continue, in my own way, to serve the future of Gabonese football.”
