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Gnégnéri Yaya Touré (born May 13, 1983) is a former Ivorian football player turned coach who currently serves as the assistant coach of the Saudi Arabian national team. Toure is best known for his illustrious midfield career, and his rise from the streets of Bouaké, Ivory Coast, to become one of the biggest names in the sport is truly inspiring.
Toure began his career with ASEC Mimosas before moving to Europe, playing for clubs such as Beveren, Metallurg Donetsk and Olympiacos. He gained wider recognition at Monaco before joining FC Barcelona, where he was part of the legendary treble-winning side of 2008-2009, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League titles.
However, his iconic status at Manchester City was cemented, playing a key role in transforming the club into a Premier League giant. Touré’s performances were instrumental in Manchester City’s historic 2011-2012 Premier League title, their first in 44 years, and earned him multiple African Footballer of the Year awards.
Toure is known for his unique style of play, characterized by powerful runs, long-range strikes and his signature technique (often referred to as “Yaya”). His versatility has allowed him to play in a variety of roles throughout his career, including as a forward in his early years and as a centre-back when needed, although he is best known as a box-to-box midfielder capable of dominating both defense and attack.
On the international stage, Touré represented Ivory Coast in six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, leading them to victory in 2015. In addition to his achievements on the field, he has also been a strong advocate for equality in sports and against racism and discrimination. After retiring, Toure continued to leave his mark on the football world through ambassadorial and coaching roles.
Ivorian coaches and football players
Yaya Touré | |
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Yaya Toure: History, Life and Photos | |
Wiki facts and figures | |
Real name: | Geneneri Yaya Touré |
stage name: | Yaya Touré |
born: | May 13, 1983 (41 years old) |
place of birth: | Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire |
Country of Citizenship: | Ivorian |
educate: | not applicable |
high: | 1.88 meters |
parents: | Mrs Maury Touré Touré |
Brothers and sisters: | Kolo Touré |
spouse: | Gineba Touré (m. 2004) |
Girlfriend·Partner: | not applicable |
Children: | Dimitri Touré |
Profession: | Coach • Ivorian football player |
net worth: | $70 million |
Early life and education
Yaya Touré was born on May 13, 1983 in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire. Growing up in the country’s second-largest city had a major impact on his early life and football journey. He is a member of the Baoulay ethnic group, one of the largest ethnic groups in Côte d’Ivoire, and a devout Muslim who is often seen praying on the pitch before games.
After his father’s early death, Yaya was raised by his mother, Mrs. Touré. Despite the challenges of poverty, his mother played a vital role in nurturing his football dreams and supported him in overcoming difficulties. His father Maury Touré is a retired army officer and farmer, and his mother is also a farmer.
Yaya is close to his twin brother Kolo Touré, also a famous football player, and together they become a famous duo in football. Although they have other siblings, it’s the football connection between Yaya and Khloe that gets the most attention.
Yaya’s talent for football was evident from an early age as he played football on the streets of Bouaké. He later joined ASEC Mimosas, one of the most prestigious clubs in Côte d’Ivoire, known for its youth academy. The academy was instrumental in honing his skills and launching his career.
Details about Yaya’s formal education are limited, as he turned his attention to football early on, and like many young players at African football academies, especially elite footballers like ASEC Mimosas, his football training often took precedence over Traditional academic education.
Profession
Yaya Toure began his career at ASEC Mimosas, developing his skills at one of the most respected football academies in Africa. His first steps in European football were with Beveren in Belgium, followed by spells with Metallurg Donetsk in Ukraine and Olympiacos in Greece, before moving to Lens in France.
Toure’s breakthrough came with Monaco, where he showed his potential in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the 2003-2004 season. In 2007, he moved to FC Barcelona and his career reached new heights. Under Guardiola, he became part of the legendary team that won a historic treble in the 2008-2009 season, winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. While his time at Barcelona was successful, it was at Manchester City that Toure truly cemented his legacy.
In 2010, Toure joined Manchester City and became a key figure in Manchester City’s midfield and played a key role in the club’s transformation into a Premier League giant. His powerful running, long-range shooting and transition ability were crucial in securing multiple Premier League titles, including the iconic 2011-2012 season that helped Manchester City end a 44-year league title drought. Toure’s outstanding performance in the 2013-2014 season won him the Football Writers Association Footballer of the Year Award. As well as his technical contributions, his leadership and guidance of young players have cemented his legendary status at the club.
After leaving Manchester City, Touré briefly played for Olympiacos, China’s Shanghai Greenland Shenhua and Qatar SC before retiring from professional football.
On the international stage, Touré served as captain of the Ivory Coast team for several years and led the team to its first African Cup of Nations championship in 2015. He is the heart of the team and is often seen as its driving force.
After retiring, Touré transitioned into coaching, serving as youth development and assistant coach, most notably with the Saudi Arabian national team.
social media
- Instagram: Yaya Toureyaya (@realtoureyaya)
- Twitter: Yaya Toure (@YayaToure) / X
- Facebook: Yaya Touré
personal life
Yaya Touré married Gineba Touré in 2004, when they were both 20 years old. They have a child named Dimitri Touré.
Currently, there is no verified public record of any other marriage or significant dating history between Yaya Toure and Gineba.
In terms of height, Yaya Toure is approximately 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) tall, which is consistent across various sources and sports biographies.
net worth
Yaya Toure is famous for his outstanding midfield career, especially at Manchester City, and has amassed a huge fortune over the years. His net worth is estimated to be approximately $70 million.
The wealth stems from his time at top clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City, where he was one of their highest-paid players and a key figure in their success, including leading Manchester City to their first Premier League title in decades.
In addition to his generous salary, Toure’s net worth is bolstered by endorsement deals that reflect his stature on and off the field. While his extensive philanthropic work, particularly in Africa, may not directly contribute to his financial investments, it highlights his wider influence and dedication to social causes.
With a career that includes four African Footballer of the Year awards and numerous trophies, including a Premier League title and an African Cup of Nations, Touré’s financial and professional legacy is well established.