Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure has been named the 2011 African Player of the Year at a ceremony in Ghana’s capital, Accra on Thursday.
The Manchester City player, who has had an impressive season, edged out Mali’s Seydou Keita and Andre Ayew of Ghana to clinch the continent’s coveted football award.
Keita, who plays for Spanish giants Barcelona, came second leaving the youngest contender Ayew of Olympique Marseille to finish third.
Toure, during the year under review, helped the Citizens to win the English FA Cup by scoring in the final against Stoke City.
After leaving Barcelona, Toure became one of the most valuable players at Manchester City with his impeccable ball control, powerful play and his intelligent reading of the game.
He was also one of the key players in Ivory Coast’s successful campaign in the qualifying rounds for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.