Yaya Toure voted 2015 BBC African Footballer of the Year

The 32-year-old becomes the third player, after Nwankwo Kanu and Jay-Jay Okocha, to win the prize twice. Manchester City’s Toure who first won in 2013, was voted ahead of Yacine Brahimi, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andre Ayew and Sadio Mane.

“I am very proud. To receive this dedication from the fans is unbelievable,” Toure told BBC Sport. “Also I want to pay tribute to the other nominees. African football is growing up, becoming much better and we have fantastic young players coming through now.”

Toure said the four other finalists are all champions. “I am delighted and very happy. And as an African player, I want to lead all my younger brothers to be successful in the future.

“When I was a kid I was always dreaming of being an important player. I have sacrificed a lot. I will continue to try to win a trophy every year, I will fight to win a personal trophy.”

Toure has been nominated for the award seven times.

Vera Kwakofi, Current Affairs Editor, BBC Africa, said: “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.”

Olisa tv