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Yaya ToureIvorian footballer
Date of Birth: 13.05.1983
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Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Early European Career
- Olympiakos
- Monaco
- Barcelona
- Manchester City
- International Career
- Personal Life
Early Life and Career
Yaya Touré, an Ivorian footballer, was born in Bouaké, Ivory Coast. His parents were both football enthusiasts, and his older brother, Kolo Touré, is also a professional football player. Yaya began his football career at the age of 10, playing for a local youth academy. In 1996, he was invited to join the youth academy of the Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas. After two and a half years at ASEC, he moved to Europe, where he played for Belgian club Beveren for two and a half years.
Early European Career
In 2003, Touré was on trial with English Premier League club Arsenal, but a deal did not materialize due to complications with his work permit. He then moved to Ukrainian club Metalurh Donetsk, where he spent a year and a half, scoring three goals. In 2005, he joined Greek club Olympiacos.
Olympiakos
Touré spent a successful season at Olympiacos, winning the Greek Super League title. His performances attracted the attention of several top European clubs.
Monaco
In August 2006, Touré was sold to French club Monaco for a fee of €4.5 million. He played one season at Monaco before moving to Barcelona the following year.
Barcelona
In June 2007, Touré joined Spanish giants Barcelona for a fee of €10 million. He made his debut for Barcelona in August 2007 and went on to win three trophies in his first season: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League. He was also named African Footballer of the Year in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Manchester City
In July 2010, Touré signed a five-year contract with English Premier League club Manchester City for a transfer fee of €24 million. He made his debut for City in August 2010 and went on to win the FA Cup in his first season. He also helped City win the Premier League title in 2011/12, 2013/14, and 2017/18, as well as the League Cup in 2013/14, 2015/16, and 2017/2018. Touré left Manchester City in 2018 after eight seasons.
International Career
Touré made his debut for the Ivory Coast national team in 2004 and represented his country at five Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning the title in 2015. He also played for Ivory Coast at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Personal Life
Touré is known for his intelligence and multilingualism, speaking French, English, Spanish, Russian, and a local language in the Ivory Coast. He is a devout Muslim and is married with three children.
