Former Ivory Coast international Yaya Toure has etched his name into football history, becoming the first African coach to lead a team into the main group phase of the UEFA Champions League. The 43-year-old achieved this milestone with Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava, just two months after taking the helm as head coach in June.
Slovan Bratislava secured their qualification on Wednesday following a 3-2 aggregate victory over NK Celje in their two-legged playoff tie in Slovenia. The team’s path to the tournament began in July with a 2-0 win against Georgian side Saburtalo, followed by a 1-1 draw in the second leg. They subsequently defeated Sweden’s Mjallby in both legs of the second qualifying round to reach the playoffs. Following the recent success, Toure was celebrated by fans with the iconic chant that defined his playing tenure at Manchester City during the 2010s.
Toure’s transition to management follows a decorated 18-year playing career that concluded in 2019. Before his stint at Manchester City—where he secured three Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and three League Cups—he enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Barcelona. With the Spanish giants, he won the 2008-09 Champions League, two La Liga titles, the Spanish Super Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup. A four-time African Footballer of the Year between 2011 and 2014, he also captained Ivory Coast to Africa Cup of Nations glory in 2015.
Before his appointment at Slovan Bratislava, Toure gained coaching experience across Europe, including roles at Leyton Orient and in Belgium. He also served as an assistant coach for the Saudi Arabian national team in 2023, working alongside his former Manchester City manager. Now, having successfully guided his current squad to the elite European stage, Toure and his team await the official group phase draw, which is scheduled to take place in Madrid this Thursday. The report also notes that he played for Spanish giants Barcelona, where he won the Champions League (2008-09), two La Liga titles (2008-09 and 2009-10), the Spanish Super Cup (2008-09), the UEFA Super Cup (2009-10), prior to joining City in 2010. The report also notes that leading the Slovak champions to four wins in the league and ensuring a spot in the biggest club competition in the world, toure joined the club as its head coach in June and has made a quick impression.
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