Yaya Touré

Lore & Background

Touré aspired to be a striker during his youth and has played centre-back, including for Barcelona in the 2009 UEFA Champions League final. He spent the majority of his career as a central midfielder for club and country, later regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation. One of the greatest African players of all time, Touré was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

Reader's Guide

Touré began his playing career at Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas, where he made his debut at age 18. He had stints with Beveren, Metalurh Donetsk, Olympiacos and Monaco, before moving to Barcelona in 2007. He played over 100 matches for the club and was part of the historic Barcelona team that won six trophies in a calendar year, in 2009. In 2010, Touré moved to Premier League club Manchester City, where he scored a number of key goals, most notably the only goals in the 2011 FA Cup semi-final and final.

He also helped City earn their first league title in 44 years. Touré earned 100 caps for the Ivory Coast from 2004 to 2015, representing the nation at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup tournaments. He also represented them in six Africa Cup of Nations in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015, helping them finish runner-up in 2006 and 2012, while captaining them to victory in 2015. He is the younger brother of fellow former footballer Kolo Touré who was his teammate at Manchester City and the national team.

Did You Know?

• Touré was born in Bouaké and joined the ASEC Mimosas youth academy in 1996.
• He had a trial with Arsenal in summer 2003 but did not sign due to work permit difficulties.
• Touré scored the only goal in the 2011 FA Cup final, ending Manchester City's 35-year wait for a major trophy.
• In December 2011, he set Premier League records for most passes attempted (168) and most completed (157) in a single match.