AFCON 2015: Yaya Touré Clinches Record-Equalling Fourth African Player of the Year Title
Ivory Coast’s Yaya Touré has been named African Footballer of the Year for the fourth consecutive time, cementing his status as one of the continent’s all-time greats.
The Manchester City midfielder was honoured at the 2015 Glo-CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, on Thursday, finishing ahead of Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama in the final voting tally.
Touré, 31, received 175 votes from a panel made up of national team coaches, technical directors, and journalists across the continent — well clear of Aubameyang’s 120 and Enyeama’s 105.
The latest accolade places Touré alongside Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto’o, who also won the award four times (2003, 2004, 2005, and 2010). However, Touré becomes the first player to win it in four consecutive years, following his earlier triumphs in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
“It’s an unbelievable honour,” said Touré, who has captained the Ivorian national team with distinction and remains a central figure in Manchester City’s midfield. “To be recognised four years in a row is something I never imagined.”
His recognition comes off the back of another strong year at both club and international level, where his leadership and midfield dominance continued to draw plaudits.
According to CAF, 27 of the 39 eligible national selectors backed Touré for the top honour. Among the countries that cast their votes in his favour were Angola, Botswana, Mali, South Africa, Tunisia, and Senegal.
Gabon’s Aubameyang, who enjoyed a prolific season with Borussia Dortmund, and Enyeama, who had an exceptional campaign in goal for Lille and the Nigerian national team, were also highly rated by voters.
Touré’s win capped off a night celebrating African football excellence, with honours also awarded to standout players, coaches, and teams across various categories.
The Glo-CAF Awards continue to serve as the pinnacle of continental recognition, celebrating achievements across African football, both on and off the pitch.
