Yaya Toure is one of the most respected Ivory Coast players. Relatively young in age and career, he has achieved what no other Ivorian player has done – winning the UEFA Champions League, with club side Barcelona in 2009. 

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His height and thick build blend solidly with his techniques of hacking and hampering menacing movements from adversaries. His style of play resembles that of French player Patrick Vieira. 

Like a number of Ivory Coast’s new generation players, Toure was groomed at Asec Mimosas' Mimosifcom – a reputable football academy attended by many lads from across the West African sub-region. His talent was convincing, his ambition was burning, but the environment wasn't conducive enough, thus he left for Europe, in search of greener pastures. 

Debuting at Beverin, Belgium, Toure would tour a number of European clubs, seeking a base and a breakthrough. Amongst these clubs where he proved his worth and gained some trust are: Beverin (Belgium – 2001-04), Metalurg Donetsk (Ukraine – 2004-05), Olympiacos (Greece – 2005-07), and Monaco (France – 2006-07). 

But it was his move to Barcelona in 2007 on a £7.8 million deal that brought the long-sought breakthrough. Winning in the treble in the 2008-09 season with Barcelona, Toure seemed to have been catapulted to the peak of his professional career, with nothing better or more to grab. 

Did You Know?

Besides Manchester City's captain Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure has another footballer brother named Ibrahim who plays for Ittihad in Syria. 

Awards

Olympiacos – Greek Super League (2005-06)

Olympiacos – Greek Cup (2005-06)

Barcelona – Spanish League (2008-09)

Barcelona – Spanish Cup (2008-09)

Barcelona – Spanish Super cup (2009)

Barcelona – UEFA Champions League (2008-09)

Barcelona – UEFA Super Cup (2009)

Barcelona – FIFA Club World Cup (2009)