#BBB NEWS| Yaya Toure Wins BBC African Footballer Of The Year Award

On Friday, it was announced that Yaya Toure won the BBC African Footballer of the year award. The 32-year old Ivorian plays midfield for the football club Manchester United. Yaya Toure has been nominated for the award 7 times.

This is the second time he has received the award, he won in 2013 as well, making him one of three African players who have won the award twice. 

The award is given out annually to the African player who receives the most votes from BBC Radio listeners. Speaking to BBC Sport, Mr. Toure expressed his gratitude to the fans.

"I am very proud. To receive this dedication from the fans is unbelievable," He said.

Aside from the Ivorian footballer, Ghana’s Andre Ayew, Algeria’s Yacine Brahimi, Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Senegal's Sadio Mane were also nominated for the award. 

Mr. Toure expressed his respect for all of his fellow nominees, “they are all champions.”

The award caps off a great year for the midfielder, he led the Ivorian team to a 3-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo during the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. 

The Ivory Coast went on to win the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations during a penalty shootout against Ghana. Playing for Manchester United, he racked up 7 goals during the season.

Vera Kwakofi, Current Affairs Editor for BBC Africa, congratulated Mr. Toure on his victory. 

"Yaya Toure's leadership for country and club offers an example for many young footballers aspiring to emulate his career.

“We are pleased that as the BBC we are here to celebrate and share in this moment with his fans around the world," the BBC correspondent said.



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