Yaya Touré
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Gnégnéri Yaya Touré[1] | ||
Date of birth | [2] | 13 May 1983||
Place of birth | Bouaké, Ivory Coast | ||
Height | 1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)[3] | ||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Olympiacos | ||
Number | 42 | ||
Youth career | |||
1996–2001 | ASEC Mimosas | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2001–2003 | Beveren | 70 | (3) |
2003–2005 | Metalurh Donetsk | 33 | (3) |
2005–2006 | Olympiacos | 20 | (3) |
2006–2007 | Monaco | 27 | (5) |
2007–2010 | Barcelona | 74 | (4) |
2010–2018 | Manchester City | 230 | (59) |
2018–2019 | Olympiacos | 2 | (0) |
International career‡ | |||
2004– | Ivory Coast | 101 | (19) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15:07, 23 October 2018 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 15:07, 23 October 2018 (UTC) |
Gnégnéri Yaya Touré (born 13 May 1983) is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Superleague Greece club Olympiacos. He played for and captained the Ivory Coast national team.
Touré aspired to be a striker during his youth[4] and has played centre back, including for Barcelona in the 2009 UEFA Champions League Final.[5] However, he has spent the majority of his career as a box-to-box midfielder for club and country, where he has been regarded as one of the world's best players in his position.[6] One of the greatest African players of all time, Touré was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.[7][8]
Touré began his playing career at Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas, where he made his debut at age 18. His performances attracted attention from Europe. He had stints with Beveren, Metalurh Donetsk, Olympiacos and Monaco before moving to Barcelona in 2007. He played over 70 matches for the club and was part of the historic 2009 Barcelona side that won six trophies in a calendar year. 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 footballer Kolo Touré, who was his teammate at Manchester City and on the national team.
Club career
Early career
Touré was born in Bouaké.[9] joined the ASEC Mimosas youth academy in 1996 on the recommendation of his long-time mentor Patrick van Reijendam. A prominent figure in the ASEC academy was Jean-Marc Guillou. In 2001, Guillou invested heavily in a Belgian club, Beveren, with the aim of using the team to showcase Ivorian players in a European league.[10] Touré moved to Beveren in 2001, one of many ASEC players to do so in this period. By 2003, he was one of 14 Ivorians in the Beveren squad.[citation needed]
In the summer of 2003, Touré had a trial with Arsenal.[11] He started a pre-season friendly against Barnet on 19 July, playing as a second striker and then moving up front in the second half. Manager Arsène Wenger recognised his talent but could not decide on his best position and described his performance against Barnet as "completely average". The match finished 0–0 and the BBC Sport website said Touré, "[B]lotted his copy book by missing Arsenal's clearest chance of the game, heading a cross from Quincy Owusu-Abeyie wide."[12] Wenger was still keen to sign the then 20-year-old but Touré had difficulties in receiving a work permit.[13] Ultimately, Touré grew impatient and opted to sign for Ukrainian side Metalurh Donetsk in December 2003, where he spent one-and-a-half years.[14][15]
Olympiacos
Touré joined Olympiacos in 2005. He was described as "the new Patrick Vieira" by his older brother. Olympiacos won the double that season, and Touré was one of their key players. His performances in Greece were impressive and attracted interest from many clubs.[16]
Monaco
After representing Ivory Coast at the 2006 World Cup, Yaya Touré was signed by French Ligue 1 side Monaco in August 2006.[17] However, he had a difficult relationship with the incumbent manager, László Bölöni, with Touré claiming Bölöni refused to play him in his preferred midfield position.[18] Bölöni was soon sacked with Monaco languishing in the second-last position in the league table.[19]
Laurent Banide replaced Bölöni and Touré subsequently became an influential player in the second half of the season, scoring five times to help haul the club out of relegation difficulties.[20] He had established himself as a key midfielder, and with interest from around Europe he decided to join Barcelona in the summer of 2007.[21]
Barcelona
Touré joined Spanish side Barcelona for €10 million (£6.7 million)[22] and made his official debut for the club on 26 August 2007 during the La Liga season opener against Racing de Santander.[23]
In the 2007 Joan Gamper Trophy match against Inter Milan, Touré scored his first goal for Barcelona in the 5–0 victory.[24] He scored his first official goal with Barcelona in a La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao on 2 September 2007, a 3–1 win.[25] His first UEFA Champions League match for Barça was against Schalke 04 in the 2007–08 quarter-final, securing a 2–0 aggregate victory and a berth in the semi-final.[26]
During the early stages of the 2008–09 season, newly appointed manager Pep Guardiola favoured Sergio Busquets in the defensive role of Barcelona's midfield trio. In the 2009 Champions League Final, Touré played at centre back due to injuries and suspensions of first-choice defenders, despite having only played there twice before for Barcelona.[27] In late June 2010, Barcelona confirmed that Touré would be allowed to leave the club in the summer.[citation needed]
Manchester City
On 2 July 2010, Touré signed a five-year deal with Premier League club Manchester City for a fee of around £24 million. He was issued squad number 42,[28] the reverse of the number 24 shirt he wore at Barcelona, since Patrick Vieira had already been allocated number 24. The move teamed Touré up with his elder brother Kolo, who signed for City in July 2009 from Arsenal.[citation needed]
On 28 July, Touré made his debut for City in a pre-season friendly against Club América, which City won 4–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw with the Mexican side.[29][unreliable source?] In his home debut on 7 August, in a friendly against Valencia, he was named man of the match.[30]
2010–11 season
On 14 August 2010, Touré made his Premier League debut in a 0–0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane.[31] A week later, Touré impressed in the 3–0 defeat of Liverpool at Eastlands, forming a part of a three-man midfield with Gareth Barry and Nigel de Jong.[32] On 19 September, Touré scored his first City goal, against Wigan Athletic.[33][unreliable source?] The goal was scored in the 70th minute and Touré was assisted by Carlos Tevez, who also scored in that match.[34] Touré had been seen to take up a more attacking position under Roberto Mancini and revelled in the position. He scored a brilliant left-footed drive against West Ham United and soon scored a second, which was later credited as an own goal because the ball rebounded off the post onto goalkeeper Robert Green's back and bounced in.[35]
Touré scored his third goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a delightful counter-attack move, with Touré making up 90 yards to latch onto the ball and fire it past the goalkeeper, with Manchester City eventually winning 4–3.[36] Touré's fifth goal for City came on 25 February in a UEFA Europa League match against Aris. The goal was a deflected strike to make the score 3–0 to Manchester City. On 16 April 2011, Touré scored the only goal of the game in a Man of the Match performance against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final.[37] Touré continued his Wembley success by scoring the only goal in his side's 1–0 win over Stoke City in the 2011 FA Cup Final,[38] ending Manchester City's 35-year wait for a major trophy,[39] and writing himself into Manchester City folklore in the process.[40]
2011–12 season
The 2011–12 season began strongly as Manchester City led the table for the majority of the season, with Touré playing a vital part in midfield. His efforts were rewarded as he was crowned African Footballer of the Year for 2011, an impressive achievement for a midfielder, since the previous 12 awards have gone to African forwards.[7]
On 3 January 2012, in a match against Liverpool, Touré scored City's second goal of the match, a 33rd-minute header from a David Silva corner. He was later fouled for the penalty that made the score 3–0 to City.[41] On 5 January, it was announced Touré would be leaving to join the Ivorian national team for the Africa Cup of Nations and would miss City's FA Cup third round clash with fierce rivals Manchester United.[42]
Commenting to Sky Sports News after being targeted by racist mobs throughout a UEFA Europa League tie at Porto in February 2012 (his first match back with City after the African Nations Cup), Touré spoke of his love for playing football in England: "That's why we like the Premier League, it never happens there."[43]
As the 2011–12 came to close, Manchester City lost ground to Manchester United in the Premier League title race. After a defeat by Arsenal on 8 April 2012,[44] an eight-point deficit had been established between City and leaders United, with most writing off City's chances of winning the league with six matches remaining.
However, City defeated West Bromwich Albion 4–0, Norwich City 6–1, and Wolverhampton Wanderers 2–0 with United slipping-up, meaning the deficit at the top was now only three points with only three matches to play. A victory against Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium would move City to top on goal difference. The match was keenly anticipated as one of the most important matches the Premier League's 20-year history.[45][46] Manchester City won the match, thanks to Vincent Kompany headed goal just before half-time. Touré's performance throughout the match garnered many plaudits in the media, describing his performance as "dominant" and "magnificent".[47]
Touré scored a brace on 6 May in City's 2–0 win over Newcastle United, moving three points above Manchester United with one match left to play in the Premier League season.[48] Touré played the full first half before coming off due to injury as City defeated Queens Park Rangers 3–2 on the final day of the season, assisting Pablo Zabaleta's opening goal in the 39th minute, to secure the first league championship for the Sky Blues in 44 years.[49]
2012–13 season
Touré started the 2012–13 season with a goal in the FA Community Shield in the 3–2 win over Chelsea in Aston Villa's stadium Villa Park. This goal was followed up by scoring first for City in two games, against Liverpool at Anfield and against Queens Park Rangers at home. In City's opening UEFA Champions League match of the season, away to Real Madrid, Touré produced a stellar individual performance, assisting an Edin Džeko goal and continually worrying the hosts. However, despite his best efforts, City lost 3–2 to a late Cristiano Ronaldo goal. He also scored in the Manchester derby, making it 2–1 to Manchester United, but City eventually lost 3–2. On 20 December 2012, Touré was crowned the 2012 African Player of the Year award at a ceremony in Accra, Ghana. It is the second time he has won the award.[50] On 24 February 2013, after returning from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, Touré scored the opening goal as City beat Chelsea 2–0 in the Premier League.[51]
On 4 April 2013, Touré signed a new contract with City, keeping him at the club until 2017.[52][53][unreliable source?] On 14 April, he was named Man of the Match as City again beat Chelsea, this time in the semi-final of the FA Cup.[54]
2013–14 season
Touré scored his first goal of the 2013–14 season with a free-kick as City defeated Newcastle United 4–0 in their opening Premier League match. In City's second home match of the season, he scored in a similar fashion from a free-kick against Hull City. His form continued with a goal from distance in the UEFA Champions League group match against Viktoria Plzeň on 17 September 2013.[55] On 22 September, he scored the second goal in a 4–1 derby win over Manchester United[56] and was named Man of the Match.[57] His scoring streak continued when he scored direct from a free kick against Wigan Athletic in the third round of the League Cup. On 2 November, he scored again from a direct free-kick, this time in a 7–0 victory against Norwich City.[58] The goal was his fifth in the league and seventh overall. Then-City manager Manuel Pellegrini noted at the time that Touré regularly stayed behind after training to improve his free-kick technique.[59]
Under Pellegrini, Touré was promoted to vice-vice-captain. He regularly captained the team in the first half of the 2013–14 season in the absence of Vincent Kompany.[60][61]
On 23 October 2013, Touré was the subject of racist abuse from CSKA Moscow supporters at the Arena Khimki in the group stage of the Champions League.[62][63][64][65] On 2 December 2013, Touré was named the 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year.[66]
On 4 December 2013, Touré scored twice for Manchester City in a 3–2 win at West Bromwich Albion. This took his tally of league goals to seven, his highest in a single Premier League season.[67]
On 2 March 2014, Touré scored the equalising goal for Manchester City in the 2014 League Cup final against Sunderland.[68] The match ended in a 3–1 win for Manchester City.[69] On 22 March 2014, he scored the first hat-trick in his career in a 5–0 win over Fulham at Etihad Stadium.[70][unreliable source?] Touré scored the third goal for Manchester City on 25 March 2014 in the Manchester Derby at Old Trafford, powering City to a 3–0 victory over their local rivals.[71] On 13 April 2014, Touré suffered a groin injury and was substituted after just 19 minutes of a 3–2 defeat to Liverpool.[72][unreliable source?]
On 18 April, Touré was named as one of the six players on the shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award.[73] On 27 April 2014, he was named in the PFA Team of the Year.[74]
On 7 May, Touré scored his 20th Premier League goal of the season in a 4–0 defeat of Aston Villa, becoming only the second midfielder to score 20 goals in a Premier League season, after Frank Lampard. His performances helped City to a second Premier League title in three years.[75]
On 20 May, Touré's agent posted on Twitter that he had become unhappy at Manchester City due to the time it took City to give him a new deal in 2013 and was upset that no-one from the club wished him happy birthday. His agent, Dimitri Seluk, told BBC Sport that Toure was "very upset" and could leave City. Although he initially denied these rumours on Twitter, Touré later tweeted, "Everything Dimitri said is true. He speaks for me. I will explain after the World Cup."[76][unreliable source?]
2014–15 season
On 5 November 2014, in a home UEFA Champions League group fixture against CSKA Moscow, Touré scored City's equaliser in the eighth minute after his compatriot Seydou Doumbia had taken under two minutes to put CSKA ahead. City were already 1–2 down and had Fernandinho sent off when Touré was dismissed for shoving Roman Eremenko. The result put City into last place in their group.[77]
On 1 March 2015, Touré started the Premier League match against Liverpool and his brother Kolo came on as an 83rd-minute substitute, marking the first time the two brothers faced each other in a competitive match.[78]
2015–16 season
On 10 August 2015, Touré scored as Manchester City defeated West Bromwich Albion 3–0 at The Hawthorns in their opening fixture of the 2015–16 Premier League season.[79]
2016–17 season
Although he played in the second leg of the Champions League play-off against Steaua București, Guardiola opted to omit Touré from City's Champions League squad.[80] Touré's agent, Dimitri Seluk, subsequently stated that Guardiola humiliated Touré by omitting him for the first team. In response, Guardiola said Touré would not be included in the team until he receives an apology.[81] A few weeks after a public apology to Guardiola on behalf of his agent, Touré made a surprising return to the first team on 16 November, starting against Crystal Palace in which he scored two goals to earn City a 2–1 away win.[82]
2017–18 season
It was announced on 4 May 2018 that Touré would leave Manchester City at the end of the 2017–18 season.[83] His final appearance came in the 3–1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.[84]
Return to Olympiacos
Toure re-signed for Superleague Greece club Olympiacos on 2 September 2018.[85]
International career
Touré has been a regular member of the Ivory Coast national team since his debut in 2004. In 2014, he was named captain of the team after the retirement of Didier Drogba.[86] In February 2015, he won his 100th international cap in a 0–0 draw with Cameroon.[87][unreliable source?]
In 2006, Touré appeared for les Éléphants in all three of the team's matches at its first ever World Cup. In the 2010 tournament, he again appeared in all of the Ivory Coast's matches, scoring the opening goal in a 3–0 win over North Korea. Touré made his third World Cup appearance during the 2014 competition, and captained the team in their opening match – a 2–1 defeat of Japan in which he was named man of the match by FIFA.[88]
Touré has represented the Ivory Coast at six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015; ending as runners-up in the 2006 and 2012 editions, and winners in 2015. Touré was named in the CAF's team of the tournament in 2008, 2012 and 2015.[89] On 4 February 2015, Touré scored the opening goal in the Ivory Coast's 3–1 semi-final victory over DR Congo to qualify les Éléphants for their third Africa Cup of Nations Final in nine years.[90] On 8 February, Touré captained the Ivory Coast to its first AFCON win since 1992 with a penalty shootout defeat of Ghana at the Estadio de Bata in Equatorial Guinea.[91]
On 20 September 2016, Touré announced his retirement from international football.[92] He returned to the national team set-up in March 2018.[93]
Style of play
Formerly a defender,[94] Yaya Touré plays primarily in the centre as a box-to-box midfielder, often switching between offensive and defensive stances throughout matches. Touré is a complete and versatile midfielder,[95][unreliable source?] who can play in several midfield positions, is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world.[95][unreliable source?] His key strengths are his passing range, vision and physical ability. He is gifted with good technique and ball control, although he also excels defensively at breaking down opposing attacking plays and winning back possession through his powerful tackling ability.[96][97] He is known for his pace, stamina and physical presence, which is often combined with lungbursting runs from midfield, and he has been referred to as a "human train" and a "colossus" by various pundits.[98][unreliable source?][99] Touré is frequently pushed forward during the latter part of matches, most notably in the penultimate match of the 2011–12 season against Newcastle United where Touré scored two late goals to win the match, and put Manchester City at the top of the league.[100][101] He is also capable of scoring goals due to his powerful striking ability from distance,[102] and his heading ability, as well as his recently developed adeptness at scoring from set-pieces and penalties.[103][unreliable source?]
Touré has in his repertoire an unusual method of striking the ball, referred to by Norwegian Alexander Tettey as a "Yaya", and described by BBC's Pat Nevin as a way of striking the ball with a far back area of the foot close to the heel, allowing the ball to move in a straight line which a goalkeeper can find hard to read.[104]
Personal life
Touré is the younger brother of Kolo Touré, who was his teammate at Beveren, Manchester City and the Ivorian national team. Their younger brother Ibrahim Touré was also a footballer, who died on 19 June 2014 at the age of 28 after a short battle with cancer.[105][106]
Touré is a Muslim.[107]
In October 2013, Touré joined a campaign against elephant poaching, becoming a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme.[108]
On 13 December 2016, Touré pleaded guilty to drunk driving. He was arrested by police on 28 November[109] after being pulled over and found to be more than twice over the legal driving limit.[110] Touré said he had not "intentionally consumed alcohol", telling the court he had consumed diet cola from a jug at a party, not realising there was brandy in it.[110] He conceded that his drink tasted "odd" and that he felt tired after consuming it, but did not suspect he was drunk.[107] Judge Gary Lucy said it was "inconceivable" that he was unaware that he was drinking alcohol.[107] Touré was banned from driving for 18 months, and was fined £54,000 – at the time the largest fine for drink driving in British legal history.[107]
Awards and nominations
Touré was nominated in the Personality of the Year category at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards.[111] In July 2014, Touré was nominated for Prize in Entertainment at the 2014 The Future Africa Awards.[112] In December 2015, Touré won the BBC African Footballer of the Year on a public vote for the second time, after leading the Ivory Coast to victory in the 2015 African Cup of Nations.[113]
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played 21 October 2018
Club | Season | League | National Cup[a] | League Cup[b] | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Beveren | 2001–02[114] | Belgian First Division | 28 | 0 | — | — | — | 28 | 0 | |||||
2002–03[114] | Belgian First Division | 30 | 3 | — | — | — | 30 | 3 | ||||||
2003–04[114] | Belgian First Division | 12 | 0 | — | — | — | 12 | 0 | ||||||
Total | 70 | 3 | — | — | — | 70 | 3 | |||||||
Metalurh Donetsk | 2003–04[114] | Vyshcha Liha | 11 | 1 | — | — | — | 11 | 1 | |||||
2004–05[114][115] | Vyshcha Liha | 22 | 2 | — | 4[c] | 1 | — | 26 | 3 | |||||
Total | 33 | 3 | — | 4 | 1 | — | 37 | 4 | ||||||
Olympiacos | 2005–06[114][116] | Alpha Ethniki | 20 | 3 | — | 6[d] | 0 | — | 26 | 3 | ||||
Monaco | 2006–07[117] | Ligue 1 | 27 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 28 | 5 | ||
Barcelona | 2007–08[118] | La Liga | 26 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — | 9[d] | 1 | — | 38 | 2 | ||
2008–09[119] | La Liga | 25 | 2 | 6 | 1 | — | 12[d] | 0 | — | 43 | 3 | |||
2009–10[120] | La Liga | 23 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 8[d] | 0 | 5[e] | 0 | 37 | 1 | ||
Total | 74 | 4 | 10 | 1 | — | 29 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 118 | 6 | |||
Manchester City | 2010–11[121] | Premier League | 35 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8[f] | 1 | — | 51 | 10 | |
2011–12[122] | Premier League | 32 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9[g] | 3 | 1[h] | 0 | 42 | 9 | |
2012–13[123] | Premier League | 32 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5[d] | 1 | 1[h] | 1 | 42 | 9 | |
2013–14[124] | Premier League | 35 | 20 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7[d] | 1 | — | 49 | 24 | ||
2014–15[125] | Premier League | 29 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5[d] | 1 | 1[h] | 0 | 37 | 12 | |
2015–16[126] | Premier League | 32 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 10[d] | 1 | — | 47 | 8 | ||
2016–17[127] | Premier League | 25 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2[d] | 0 | — | 31 | 7 | ||
2017–18[128] | Premier League | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3[d] | 0 | — | 17 | 0 | ||
Total | 230 | 59 | 20 | 6 | 14 | 5 | 49 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 316 | 79 | ||
Olympiacos | 2018–19[129] | Superleague Greece | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 1[f] | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | ||
Career total | 456 | 77 | 31 | 7 | 15 | 5 | 89 | 10 | 8 | 1 | 599 | 100 |
- ^ Includes Copa del Rey, FA Cup and Greek Football Cup
- ^ Includes Coupe de la Ligue and League Cup/EFL Cup
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Cup
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ Two appearances in Supercopa de España, one in UEFA Super Cup, two in FIFA Club World Cup
- ^ a b Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
- ^ Six appearances and three goals in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League
- ^ a b c Appearance in FA Community Shield
International
- As of match played 29 March 2015[130]
National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
---|---|---|---|
Ivory Coast | 2004 | 3 | 0 |
2005 | 2 | 0 | |
2006 | 15 | 1 | |
2007 | 5 | 1 | |
2008 | 11 | 1 | |
2009 | 8 | 2 | |
2010 | 13 | 2 | |
2011 | 5 | 2 | |
2012 | 10 | 1 | |
2013 | 10 | 6 | |
2014 | 10 | 2 | |
2015 | 9 | 1 | |
Total | 101 | 19 |
International goals
- As of match played 29 March 2015. Ivory Coast score listed first, score column indicates score after each Touré goal.[130]
Honours
Olympiacos
Barcelona
- La Liga: 2008–09, 2009–10
- Copa del Rey: 2008–09
- Supercopa de España: 2009
- UEFA Champions League: 2008–09
- UEFA Super Cup: 2009
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2009
Manchester City
- Premier League: 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017–18[149]
- FA Cup: 2010–11
- Football League Cup: 2013–14, 2015–16
- FA Community Shield: 2012
Ivory Coast
Individual
- Ivory Coast Player of the Year: 2009
- African Footballer of the Year: 2011,[150] 2012, 2013, 2014[8]
- CAF Team of the Year: 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
- ESM Team of the Year: 2013–14
- PFA Team of the Year: 2011–12 Premier League,[151] 2013–14 Premier League[152]
- BBC African Footballer of the Year: 2013, 2015 [153][113]
- FIFA FIFPro World XI 2nd team: 2013, 2014, 2015[154][155][156]
- Manchester City Player of the Year: 2013–14
- Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2015[157]
See also
References
- ^ "FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2009 presented by Toyota: List of players: FC Barcelona" (PDF). FIFA. 1 December 2009. p. 1. Retrieved 6 October 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Toure". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Touré". ESPN FC. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Toure". FourFourTwo. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ White, Duncan (23 May 2009). "Manchester United v Barcelona: Yaya Toure is Barca's unlikely defender". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Yaya Toure still has something to offer a Premier League club despite turning 35". ESPN. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
- ^ a b "Toure crowned African Player of the Year 2011". Lagos: Confederation of African Football. 22 December 2011.
- ^ a b Press, Association (8 January 2015). "Manchester City's Yaya Touré named African Player of the Year once more". The Guardian. No. 8 January 2015. London. Press Association. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
- ^ Lampard, Frank (8 May 2018). "The part Yaya Toure played in Man City's rise and what made him so special – Frank Lampard". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ John Chapman (January 2005). "Belgium – African player trade". When Saturday Comes. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
- ^ Ivorian gamble failed to pay off for Beveren When Saturday Comes, 10 August 2010
- ^ Wenger: Barnet 0–0 Arsenal BBC Sport, 19 July 2003
- ^ Wenger: Passport stopped Yaya Toure signing for Arsenal Sport.co.uk, 22 October 2010
- ^ "Yaya Toure was average and impatient at Arsenal, says Arsene Wenger". Metro. London. 16 December 2011. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Touré naar Monaco" [Yaya Touré to Monaco]. De Standaard (in Dutch). Groot-Bijgaarden. 15 August 2006. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
- ^ "OLYMPIAKOS CAREER". Official Yaya Toure. Retrieved 9 July 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Toure agrees Monaco move". BBC Sport. 15 August 2006.
- ^ "Toure glad Boloni's gone". Sky Sports. 24 October 2007. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Ballerini, Etienne (23 October 2006). "Monaco part company with coach Boloni". ESPN. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Yaya Toure a medal professional". Manchester Evening News. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Yaya Toure, the rock of Monaco". FIFA. 20 December 2006. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Hunt, Ben (26 June 2007). "Barcelona keep spending to snap up Yaya Touré from Monaco". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Racing Santander 0–0 Barcelona ESPN Soccernet, 26 August 2007. Retrieved 24 January 2008
- ^ "El Barcelona se luce con una goleada ante el Inter en el trofeo Gamper" [Barcelona excel with a goalfest against Inter in the Gamper Trophy]. AS (in Spanish). 29 August 2007. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
- ^ La Liga 13:00 EDT, 2 September 2007 Camp Nou (2 September 2007). "Report: Barcelona v Athletic Bilbao – Spanish Primera División – ESPN FC". ESPN.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "uefa.com – UEFA Champions League". UEFA. 9 April 2008. Archived from the original on 10 July 2012.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|dead-url=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ http://www.uefa.com/newsfiles/ucl/2009/302813_lu.pdf
- ^ Yaya Touré Manchester City FC
- ^ Club America 1 Man City 1 (City win 4–3 on pens): Joe can't take Hart as Shay Given is spot on Daily Mail, 29 July 2010
- ^ New-look Manchester City see off Valencia FourFourTwo, 7 August 2010
- ^ "Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 0 Manchester City". ESPN Soccernet. 14 August 2010. Retrieved 17 August 2010.
- ^ Manchester City v Liverpool – as it happened The Guardian, 23 August 2010
- ^ Wigan 0 Manchester City 2: Carlos Tevez shows City how to beat Wigan Daily Mail, 19 September 2010
- ^ Wigan 0 – 2 Man City BBC Sport, 19 September 2010
- ^ City at West Ham match report – Manchester City FC. Manchester City F.C. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
- ^ Man City v Wolves, Premier League – Manchester City FC. Manchester City F.C. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
- ^ "Man City 1 – 0 Man Utd". BBC Sport. 16 April 2011.
- ^ Man City 1–0 Stoke: Toure wins FA Cup. Goal.com (14 May 2011). Retrieved 7 May 2012.
- ^ White, Duncan (14 May 2011). "FA Cup final: Manchester City 1 Stoke City 0 match report". The Daily Telegraph. London.
- ^ Chadband, Ian (15 May 2011). "Manchester City midfielder Yaya Touré enters folklore with FA Cup final winner against Stoke City". The Daily Telegraph. London.
- ^ "Man City 3 – 0 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 3 January 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Kolo & Yaya Toure will miss Manchester City FA Cup tie". BBC Sport. 5 January 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ White, Duncan (17 February 2012). "Manchester City report 'racist' chants from Porto fans". The Daily Telegraph. London.
- ^ "Arsenal 1–0 Manchester City". BBC Sport. 8 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "The biggest Manchester derby ever". ESPN. 30 April 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Massive Manchester derby to guide destiny of title". ESPN. 27 April 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Ivory Coast's Yaya Toure 'key' to City victory". BBC Sport. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Report: Newcastle United v Manchester City – Barclays Premier League – ESPN Soccernet. ESPN Soccernet. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
- ^ Winter, Henry (13 May 2012). "Manchester City 3 Queens Park Rangers 2: match report". The Daily Telegraph. London.
- ^ "Toure wins his second African Player of the Year". CAF. 20 December 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
- ^ "Man City 2 0 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 24 February 2013.
- ^ "Yaya Toure signs new deal". Manchester City F.C. Official Website. 4 April 2013. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
- ^ Ladyman, Ian (4 April 2013). "Yes to Yaya! Toure agrees new £45m, four-year deal at City". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 4 April 2013.
- ^ "Yaya Toure: I was right to stay at Man City". ESPN. 15 April 2013.
- ^ Magowan, Alistair (17 September 2013). "Plzen 0–3 Man City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
- ^ "Manchester City make easy work of lacklustre Manchester United". The Guardian. London. 22 September 2013.
- ^ "Yaya Toure a true force in Manchester City's derby win over United". The National. Abu Dhabi. 22 September 2013.
- ^ Gary Rose. "Manchester City 7–0 Norwich City". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
- ^ "Manchester City Transfer Rumours & Gossip – What The Papers Say – Manchester City FC". Retrieved 4 January 2016.
- ^ "Yaya Toure denies he is unhappy at City". ESPN. 14 November 2013.
- ^ "Premier League: Yaya Toure hoping to help Manchester City make history". Sky Sports. 1 December 2013.
- ^ "UEFA to investigate Toure racist abuse at Moscow". ESPN. 25 October 2013.
- ^ "Uefa charges CSKA Moscow over Yaya Touré racist abuse claims". The Times. London. 24 October 2013.
- ^ "CSKA Moscow charged with 'racist behaviour' over Yaya Touré chants". The Guardian. London. 25 October 2013.
- ^ "UEFA's farcical response to Yaya racism; and whither Webb and Blatter?". Wired868 Online Newspaper. 30 October 2013.
- ^ "Yaya Toure named 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year". BBC Sport. 2 December 2013.
- ^ "West Brom 2 3 Man City". BBC Sport. 4 December 2013.
- ^ "Toure and Nasri shatter Sunderland dream". ESPN. 2 March 2014. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
- ^ Smyth, Rob (2 March 2014). "Manchester City v Sunderland, Capital One Cup final: as it happened". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 3 March 2014.
- ^ Bernstein, Joe (22 March 2014). "Man City 5–0 Fulham: Toure nets hat-trick to thrash ten-man visitors as Pellegrini's side maintain title challenge". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
- ^ "Premier League: Manchester City go second with 3–0 derby win at United". Sky Sports. 25 March 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2014.
- ^ Drayton, John (13 April 2014). "Toure set to miss rest of season after injury at Anfield, says City boss Pellegrini". Daily Mail. London.
- ^ "PFA award: Liverpool's Suarez, Gerrard & Sturridge on shortlist". BBC Sport. 18 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
- ^ "PFA unveils Team of the Year". Sky Sports. 27 April 2014. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
- ^ "Manchester City 4–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. 7 May 2014. Retrieved 8 May 2014.
- ^ "Yaya Toure transfer over birthday cake snub will be blocked by Manchester City". Daily Mail. 20 May 2014. Retrieved 21 May 2014.
- ^ Hart, Simon (5 November 2014). "Doumbia shatters City as CSKA win in Manchester". UEFA. Retrieved 5 November 2014.
- ^ Adams, Tom (1 March 2015). "Premier League – Yaya and Kolo Toure play against each other for first EVER time". Eurosport. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 1 March 2015.
{{cite news}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Toure launches City's EPL campaign with a double". Al Jazeera. 11 August 2015.
- ^ "Man City: Yaya Toure left out of Champions League squad". BBC Sports. 2 September 2016.
- ^ "Pep Guardiola has "humiliated" Yaya Toure with Champions League snub, says Man City outcast's agent". Daily Mirror. 3 September 2016.
- ^ "Crystal Palace 1–2 Manchester City". BBC Sport. 19 November 2016.
- ^ "Yaya Toure: Manchester City midfielder to leave at end of season". BBC Sport. 4 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Manchester City 3–1 Brighton & Hove Albion". BBC Sport. 9 May 2018. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Toure: Olympiakos fans welcome former Manchester City player to Athens". BBC Sport. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Toure Relishing Responsibility as Ivory Coast Skipper". NDTV Sports. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
- ^ "Yaya Toure wins 100th Ivory Coast cap as Elephants qualify for Africa Cup of Nations". Daily Mail. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
- ^ "Yaya Toure Relishing Responsibility as Ivory Coast Skipper". FIFA. 15 June 2014. Retrieved 16 June 2014.
- ^ "AFCON Best XI". African Football. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
- ^ "Afcon 2015: DR Congo v Ivory Coast". BBC Sport. 4 February 2015. Retrieved 5 February 2015.
- ^ "Afcon 2015: Yaya Toure hails 'unbelievable' Ivory Coast win". BBC Sport. 9 February 2015. Retrieved 10 February 2015.
- ^ "Yaya Toure announces international retirement". Sky Sports. 20 September 2016.
- ^ "Ivory Coast confirm Yaya Toure's return after three year absence". BBC Sport. 18 March 2018. Retrieved 27 March 2018.
- ^ "Manchester United v Barcelona: Yaya Toure is Barca's unlikely defender". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ a b "Mata singles out 'complete midfielder' Toure ahead of crunch FA Cup semi-final clash". Daily Mail. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ "Yaya Touré". ESPN FC. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ "Yaya Toure". Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ "What an engine! Redknapp told you Toure would keep City on track". Daily Mail. London. 6 May 2012. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ Taylor, Louise (6 May 2012). "Yaya Touré, the Manchester City colossus, proves worth every penny". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Mancini's switch puts City close to the title". Zonal Marking. 6 May 2012.
- ^ "Contact Support". Theirtactics.com.
- ^ "La Top 100 del 2013 di FFT: dal n.20 al n.11" (in Italian). FourFourTwo. Archived from the original on 4 November 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "You ain't seen nothing yet! Pellegrini fires warning to title rivals that Toure is going to get even better after stunning free-kick in comfortable win against Wigan". Daily Mail. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ "Pat Nevin analysis: Scoring secrets: Toe-poke, scoop or the Yaya?". BBC Sport. Retrieved 3 February 2016.
- ^ "World Cup – Ibrahim Toure, brother of Yaya and Kolo, dies aged 28". Eurosport. Archived from the original on 24 June 2014. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Les frères Touré en deuil" (in French). Fédération Ivoirienne de Football. 19 June 2014.
- ^ a b c d "Man City's Yaya Toure handed 'biggest ever' drink-driving fine of £54k". The Daily Telegraph. London. 3 December 2016. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
- ^ "Yaya Toure joins UN campaign to save elephants". BBC News. 29 October 2013.
- ^ Richard Wheatstone (3 December 2016). "Manchester City star Yaya Toure charged with drink driving after being pulled over by police in London". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
- ^ a b "Yaya Toure: Man City player accepts drink-driving charge". BBC Sport. 3 December 2016. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
- ^ "Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Davido lead nominations for MTV Africa Music Awards". Sowetan LIVE. Retrieved 17 April 2014.
- ^ Ezeamalu, Ben (25 July 2014). "Yaya Toure, Ice Prince, Davido Shortlisted For 2014 Future Africa Awards". Premium Times. Abuja. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
- ^ a b "Yaya Toure wins BBC African Footballer of the Year award 2015". BBC Sport. Retrieved 4 January 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f "Touré, Yaya". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ For UEFA Cup: Ionescu, Romeo (2009). The Complete Results & Line-ups of the UEFA Cup 2004–2009. Cleethorpes: Soccer Books. pp. 16–30. ISBN 978-1-86223-187-0.
- ^ For UEFA Champions League: Ionescu, Romeo (2009). The Complete Results & Line-ups of the European Champions League 2004–2009. Cleethorpes: Soccer Books. pp. 70–72. ISBN 978-1-86223-186-3.
- ^ "Yaya Touré: Career". Ligue 1. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Touré: Gnégnéri Yaya Touré: Matches: 2007–08". BDFutbol. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Touré: Gnégnéri Yaya Touré: Matches: 2007–08". BDFutbol. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Touré: Gnégnéri Yaya Touré: Matches: 2009–10". BDFutbol. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Yaya Touré in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Yaya Touré in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Yaya Touré in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Yaya Touré in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Yaya Touré in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Yaya Touré in 2015/2016". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Yaya Touré in 2016/2017". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Games played by Yaya Touré in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 13 June 2018.
- ^ "Y. Touré: Soccerway". Soccerway. Perform Group. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
- ^ a b Mamrud, Roberto (14 September 2017). "Gnégnéri Yaya Touré – Century of international appearances". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 23 October 2018.
- ^ Applin, Mark (25 January 2006). "Drogba fires Ivory Coast through". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Elephants trample Madagascar". BBC Sport. 3 June 2007. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Group B results: Civ 4–1 Ben". BBC Sport. 25 January 2008. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Burkina Faso v Ivory Coast, 20 June 2009". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Ivory Coast v Burkina Faso, 05 September 2009". 11v11.com. AFS Enterprises. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "North Korea 0 Ivory Coast 3: Match report". The Daily Telegraph. London. 2 June 2010. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Ivory Coast 3–0 Rwanda". Eurosport. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ Dunbar, Graham (10 August 2011). "Ivory Coast beats Israel 4–3 in friendly match". Deseret News. Salt Lake City. Associated Press. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Kolo and Yaya Touré score in Africa Cup of Nations final qualifier". The Guardian. London. Associated Press. 10 October 2011. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba scores twice in Equatorial Guinea defeat". The Guardian. London. Associated Press. 4 February 2012. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ Doyle, Paul (22 January 2013). "Ivory Coast v Togo: Africa Cup of Nations – As it happened". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Ivory Coast through to quarter-finals after win against Tunisia". The Guardian. London. Associated Press. 26 January 2013. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Ivory Coast 3–0 Gambia". Sky Sports. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Gambia 0–3 Ivory Coast". Eurosport. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Tanzania 2–4 Ivory Coast: Summary". ESPN. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Nations Cup 2015: Cameroon hit form to thrash Ivory Coast". BBC Sport. 10 September 2014. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ Porter, Alex (15 October 2014). "Toure on target as Ivory Coast fall to DR Congo". Manchester City F.C. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ Wilson, Jonathan (4 February 2015). "Ivory Coast survive wobble against DR Congo to reach Cup of Nations final". The Guardian. London. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Touré: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Toure is named Caf African Player of the Year". BBC Sport. 22 December 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
- ^ "Spurs defender Kyle Walker wins PFA Young Player award". BBC Sport. 22 April 2012. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
- ^ "Luis Suarez: Liverpool striker wins PFA Player of the Year award". BBC Sport. 28 April 2014. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
- ^ "Yaya Toure named 2013 BBC African Footballer of the Year". BBC Sport. 2 December 2013. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
- ^ "FifPro announces reserve Teams of the Year – but Luis Suarez and Arjen Robben won't be laughing while Iker Casillas is somehow named the second best goalkeeper of 2013". The Independent. 15 January 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
- ^ "FIFA FIFPro World XI: the reserve teams – FIFPro World Players' Union". FIFPro.org. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
- ^ "2015 World XI: the Reserve Teams – FIFPro World Players' Union". FIFPro.org. 11 January 2016. Retrieved 1 October 2017.
- ^ "Orange AFCON 2015 Awards and Best XI". CAF. 12 February 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2016.
External links
- Profile at the Olympiacos F.C. website
- Yaya Touré – UEFA competition record (archive)
- Yaya Touré at Soccerbase
- 1983 births
- Living people
- People from Bouaké
- Ivorian footballers
- Ivory Coast international footballers
- Association football defenders
- Association football midfielders
- ASEC Mimosas players
- K.S.K. Beveren players
- FC Metalurh Donetsk players
- Olympiacos F.C. players
- AS Monaco FC players
- FC Barcelona players
- Manchester City F.C. players
- Belgian First Division A players
- Ukrainian Premier League players
- Superleague Greece players
- Ligue 1 players
- La Liga players
- Premier League players
- 2006 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2006 FIFA World Cup players
- 2008 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2010 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2010 FIFA World Cup players
- 2012 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2013 Africa Cup of Nations players
- 2014 FIFA World Cup players
- 2015 Africa Cup of Nations players
- African Footballer of the Year winners
- Africa Cup of Nations-winning players
- Ivorian Muslims
- UEFA Champions League winning players
- Ivorian expatriate footballers
- Expatriate footballers in Belgium
- Expatriate footballers in England
- Expatriate footballers in France
- Expatriate footballers in Greece
- Expatriate footballers in Monaco
- Expatriate footballers in Spain
- Expatriate footballers in Ukraine
- Ivorian expatriates in Belgium
- Ivorian expatriates in England
- Ivorian expatriates in France
- Ivorian expatriates in Greece
- Ivorian expatriates in Spain
- Ivorian expatriates in Ukraine
- FIFA Century Club