Yaya Touré Biography

Gnégnéri Yaya Touré, widely known as Yaya Touré, is a distinguished footballer and football coach. Born on May 13, 1983, he has earned various nicknames throughout his illustrious career, including “Firewall,” “Colossus,” “L’Ordinateur” (The computer), and “The tall introvert.”

Yaya Touré Height, Age, Wife, Children, Family, Biography, & More

His professional journey commenced in 2001 with Baveren. Internationally, he made his debut on April 28, 2004, against Guinea in Aix-les-Bains, France. Touré’s remarkable skills and contributions on the field have earned him the moniker “The new ‘Patrick Vieira’,” solidifying his status as one of football’s most iconic figures.

Early Life

Yaya Touré’s early life was marked by resilience and determination. Growing up in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, he developed his passion for football playing barefoot on the streets as a child and received his first football boots at the age of 10. Despite facing financial challenges, Touré worked as a shoe shiner during his teenage years to support his family. His talent caught the attention of mentors, leading him to join the ASEC Mimosas youth academy, laying the foundation for his remarkable football career.

Education

Yaya Touré’s education background is not publicly documented. His early life primarily revolved around his passion for football, and details about his formal education are unavailable.

Age

Yaya Touré was born on May 13, 1983, in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, under the zodiac sign of Taurus. As of 2024, he is 41 years old. His nationality is Ivorian, and his distinctive signature represents his legacy both on and off the football pitch.

Physical Stats

Standing at a towering height of 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), Yaya Touré possesses captivating black eyes and sleek black hair, adding to his commanding presence both on and off the football field.

Wife and Children

Yaya Touré is married to Gineba Touré, and they tied the knot in 2004. The couple shares a beautiful family with two sons, Dimitri Touré, and one daughter.

Family

Yaya Touré’s family includes his father, Mory Touré, and his mother, Fente Touré. He grew up with two brothers: Kolo Touré, who is also a footballer, and Ibrahim Touré, a younger sibling who tragically passed away on June 19, 2014, due to cancer. Additionally, he has a sister named Aicha Touré. Despite being part of a large family with six siblings in total, Yaya shares a special bond with his brothers and sister.

Yaya Touré with his wife Gineba Touré

Career

Yaya Touré’s illustrious career is a testament to his talent and dedication to football. Rising from humble beginnings, Touré honed his skills on the streets of his childhood without proper football boots. His journey took him from the ASEC Mimosas youth academy to top clubs like Barcelona and Manchester City, where he played a pivotal role in winning numerous domestic and international titles, including Premier League and UEFA Champions League trophies.

A standout player for Ivory Coast, Touré represented his country in multiple FIFA World Cups and Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Beyond football, he has been recognized for his philanthropy and advocacy work, becoming a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program.

Net Worth

Yaya Touré commands an approximate salary of 20 million euros and boasts a net worth of around $70 million.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Yaya Touré

• In 1996, Touré joined the ASEC Mimosas youth academy on the recommendation of his long-time mentor Patrick van Reijendam.
• Touré played in the streets during his childhood and played without boots. He got his first football boots at the age of 10.
• During his early teenage years, he also worked as a shoe shiner to earn money for his family. He sometimes ate only one meal per day.
• He represented Ivory Coast in the 2006, 2010, and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
• In 2003, then-Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, wanted to sign Toure; however, Toure could not get a work permit.
• He played for Ivory Coast in six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, in 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015. They emerged as runner-ups twice, in 2006 and 2012 and won the tournament in 2015.
• Barcelona acquired him for €10 million (£6.7 million) in 2007 and made his debut for the club on 26 August 2007 against Racing de Santander during the 2007–08 La Liga season.
• He was a member of Barcelona which won the 2008-2009 UEFA Champions League.
• Touré signed a five-year contract with Premier League club Manchester City for a fee of £24 million on 2 July 2010. He was a member of the City’s squad which won the Premier League titles in the 2011–2012, 2013–2014, and 2017–2018 seasons.
• He is a devoted Muslim and after being named ‘Man of the Match’ against Newcastle United in 2012, Touré turned down the English tradition of champagne as per his religious beliefs due to which a non-alcoholic champagne was introduced for Muslim players in the Premier League.
• Touré became a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) in October 2013 by joining a campaign against elephant poaching.

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