Yaya Touré has officially announced his retirement from professional football. Free of any club commitments since leaving Olympiakos in December, the Ivorian midfielder confirmed the decision through his agent, Dmitry Selyuk, who spoke exclusively to Sport 24. Touré, who previously obtained a coaching diploma, is now qualified to manage a football club.
Selyuk described the decision, saying, “Yaya has decided to end his championship career. The farewell match, when he won the Premier League with Manchester City, was, in principle, the true conclusion of his career—not just with that team, but overall. Yaya is one of Africa’s greatest players and has had one of the most remarkable careers in African football.”
Despite being physically capable of continuing at a high level for several more years, Touré and his team decided it was best to leave the sport while still at the top. “A player who has played for Barcelona and Manchester City couldn’t lower his standards,” Selyuk explained. “Many players continue, which is admirable, but Yaya and I chose a different path: to leave as a champion and begin a new chapter as a coach. I am confident he will reach even greater heights in this role, especially as there are currently no African coaches in the Premier League.”
Touré’s career in Europe began with Olympiakos before a move to AS Monaco, where his performances attracted attention from bigger clubs. He joined Barcelona, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2009, and then signed with Manchester City in 2010. Over eight seasons in the Premier League, Touré played 316 matches, becoming a central figure in City’s domestic dominance. He briefly returned to Olympiakos before ultimately stepping away from professional football.
Now retired as a player, Yaya Touré is set to transition into coaching, aiming to continue his impact on the game from the sidelines. His illustrious career, spanning top leagues in Europe and major trophies, cements him as one of Africa’s footballing legends.
