Explained: What does Aubameyang's celebration vs Real Madrid mean?
Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang ran rampant against Real Madrid in March's El Clasico and the Barcelona star celebrated in style with a reference to one of the world's most famous animes.
The ex-Arsenal star scored two and assisted another in Barcelona's 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid, making a major statement as Xavi's side continues to rebuild its image.
After his second goal, Aubameyang ran to the corner to celebrate, making a reference to Dragon Ball Z on a day that will long be remembered by Barca fans.
What does Aubameyang's celebration vs Real Madrid mean?
Aubameyang's celebration against Real Madrid was a reference to a Dragon Ball Z character named Goku.
The gesture was similar to Goku's 'instant transmission', with eagle-eyed fans on social media quick to recognise the striker's reference.
"Yes of course, exactly, Dragon Ball Z," the Gabon international later told beIN Sports, confirming the significance of his celebration.
"I had one wish, it was to simply win here. I thought a lot about my family, a lot about my grandparents who are no longer with us, but here, I'm happy to have scored for them today."
After the game, Aubameyang took to social media to ram home the message to his detractors, writing: "Hello from the finished player."
Hello from the finished player 🔵🔴
— AUBA⚡️ (@Auba) March 21, 2022
💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/MUPmsznoup
Goku? No Aubameyang #ElClasico pic.twitter.com/4VVsH7V6kS
— Kevin (@Kevx003) March 20, 2022
It's not the first time Aubameyang has made his fondness for the anime known, as the forward has a tattoo paying homage to DBZ.
#ink pic.twitter.com/qTuLDaaey4
— AUBA⚡️ (@Auba) January 20, 2019
One person who surely won't be thrilled with Aubameyang's celebration is Toni Kroos, who saw his Real Madrid side on the wrong side of a battering.
Kroos has previously criticised Aubameyang's celebrations, saying he was not a fan of such pre-conceived routines.
The Real Madrid star pointed to Aubameyang's previous celebrations with Black Panther and Spider-Man masks, calling them "nonsense" while saying they aren't befitting of a role model.