The Ivorian powerhouse claimed the award at a ceremony in Ghanaian capital Accra ahead of international teammate Didier Drogba and Barcelona midfielder Alexander Song who finished in second and third place respectively.
“I have a lot of emotion,” Yaya said. “I think this night is so special for me.”
Toure’s performances during the 2011/12 Premier League season’s incredible finale were cited as the key contributor to this latest honour.
After collecting the award, Yaya was quizzed on his Ivory Coast side’s chances of finally winning the African Cup of Nations and he said: “I think this year is going to be tough. I think there’s going to be a fight to be at the top.”
Didier Drogba, who now plays his football for Shanghai Shenhua revealed his admiration for Yaya after being pipped to first place.
“Being in competition against Yaya and Alex was for me very difficult,” said the striker. “For me, I don’t mind if Yaya wins. I’m very proud.”
The honour is decided by a poll of African national team coaches and technical directors, and the winner’s citation read: “Toure’s immense contribution in helping Manchester City win their first domestic championship in 44 years saw him pick up Africa’s most prestigious individual award.”
Yaya has proved time and again that he is the man for the big occasion, scoring two of the most crucial goals in City’s recent history against Stoke City in the 2011 FA Cup final and in the penultimate match of the 2011/12 season against Newcastle United.
The last player to retain the award was Samuel Eto’o who has won the title on four separate occasions.
