Yaya Toure named BBC African Footballer of the Year

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been voted BBC African Footballer of the Year, the corporation has announced.

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure Source: Getty Images

It is the second time the 32-year-old, who helped Cote d'Ivoire to Africa Cup of Nations success in February, has landed the award.

He previously won in 2013 and has now been shortlisted for the accolade a record seven times. His latest success came as he beat off competition from Andre Ayew (Ghana and Swansea City), Sadio Mane (Senegal and Southampton), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon and Borussia Dortmund) and Yacine Brahimi (Algeria and Porto).

Toure said: "I am very proud to be named BBC African Footballer of the Year and would like to thank everyone that voted. 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.

"I would also like to pay tribute to my fellow nominees and this fantastic initiative, which celebrates African footballers - shining a light on our wonderful continent. We have so much talent in Africa, so I am determined to continue to achieve on the pitch and use my success to help lead the way for the next generation."