Yaya Touré voted BBC African Footballer of the Year 2015
Ivory Coast and Manchester City player Yaya Touré is the winner of this year’s BBC African Footballer of the Year award. After a record seventh appearance on the shortlist, Touré’s win marks the second time he has won the accolade, having previously held the title in 2013.
Published: 11 December 2015
I would like to pay tribute to my fellow nominees and this fantastic initiative, which celebrates African footballers – shining a light on our wonderful continent.
Yaya Touré emerged as the most popular player in a competitive shortlist that included Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon and Borussia Dortmund), André Ayew (Ghana and Swansea City), Yacine Brahimi (Algeria and FC Porto) and Sadio Mané (Senegal and Southampton).
BBC Focus on Africa’s sports presenter, Peter Okwoche, presented Touré with his trophy today during a special broadcast on BBC World Service radio and BBC World News television.
Yaya Touré says: “I am very proud to be named BBC African Footballer of the Year and would like to thank everyone that voted. I work hard every day to be the best I can be, so to be nominated seven consecutive times and win this award for a second time means a lot to me.
“I would also like to pay tribute to my fellow nominees and this fantastic initiative, which celebrates African footballers – shining a light on our wonderful continent. We have so much talent in Africa, so I am determined to continue to achieve on the pitch and use my success to help lead the way for the next generation.”
For the first time in its history, BBC African Footballer of the Year kicked off with special live programming from the Kaizer Chiefs training facility in South Africa. The 2015 competition saw hundreds of thousands of football fans vote from around the world.
Peter Okwoche, BBC Focus on Africa’s sports presenter, says: “Each year, the competition gets tougher and tougher. There are some incredible African footballers out there today but, to the fans, Touré stood out. He’s a much deserving winner.”
Vera Kwakofi, Current Affairs Editor for BBC Africa, says: “Yaya Toure's leadership for country and club offers an example for many young footballers aspiring to emulate his career. We are pleased that as the BBC we are here to celebrate and share in this moment with his fans around the world.”
It has been a brilliant year for Yaya Touré, with the powerful central midfielder captaining Ivory Coast to their second ever Africa Cup of Nations win. While the 2015 Nations Cup highlighted Touré’s impact for his country, it also reiterated his significance for his club. Since joining Manchester City in 2010, Touré has helped them win two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and the League Cup in 2014.
Previous winners of the BBC African Footballer of the Year award include: Yacine Brahimi (2014), Yaya Touré (2013), Christopher Katongo (2012), André Ayew (2011), and Asamoah Gyan (2010).
For more information about the award, go to bbc.com/africanfootball or search #BBCAFOTY.
MH2
