Yaya Toure named BBC African Footballer of the Year

Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has held off fierce competition from Algeria’s Yacine Brahimi, the 2014 victor, and Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to pick up the BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2015.

The 32-year-old also helped his country to win the African Cup of Nations and has had a distinguished career.

He admitted that he was delighted to be recognised. For me to be the victor I am delighted and very happy. “To receive this dedication from the fans is unbelievable”, Toure said.

It is the second time Toure has won the award – he first won it in 2013 – and is only the third player to claim the prize on more than one occasion, after Jay Jay Okocha and Nwankano Kanu.

Former Barcelona midfielder Toure has won the award for a second time.

Ayew won the BBC African Footballer of the Year accolade in 2011.

“When I was a kid I was always dreaming of being an important player”.

But Andre’s scoring form against Premier League big-guns will pose a major treat to City on the afternoon.

“I work hard every day to be the best I can be, so to be nominated seven consecutive times and win this award for a second time means a lot to me”.

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

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