Manchester City's Yaya Toure named 2011 African Player of the Year

The Ivory Coast player beat Barcelona’s Seydou Keita and Andre Ayew of Olympique Marseille to be crowned as the continent's best player of the last 12 months

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been selected as the 2011 African Player of the Year at a ceremony in Ghana’s capital, Accra on Thursday.

The Ivory Coast player, who has had an impressive 12 months for Roberto Mancini's men, edged out Mali’s Seydou Keita and Andre Ayew of Ghana to clinch the coveted football award of the continent.


Keita, who plays for Spanish giants Barcelona, came second leaving the youngest contender Ayew of Olympique Marseille with the second-runners up spot.

Toure helped City to win the FA Cup by scoring the final goal against Stoke City, as well as a vital strike against Manchester United in the semi final of the competition.

After leaving Barcelona, Toure has become one of the most valuable players at the Etihad Stadium with his impeccable ball control, recovery 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 with some goals to his credit.