Former Ivorian footballers Yaya Touré and Kolo Touré are excelling in their coaching careers, continuing to make remarkable strides after illustrious playing days.

Both have established themselves in the coaching arena, with Kolo Touré serving as an assistant coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, while Yaya Touré recently made history by guiding a club into the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League.

This article highlights their playing careers and how they are faring in their coaching journeys:

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Yaya Touré – Playing Career

Touré began his career at ASEC Mimosas in Ivory Coast, making his debut at age 18. His performances earned him moves to Beveren, Metalurh Donetsk, Olympiacos, and Monaco, before joining Barcelona in 2007. He played over 100 matches for the club and was part of the historic team that won six trophies in 2009.

In 2010, he moved to Manchester City, scoring crucial goals in the 2011 FA Cup semi-final and final, and helping City secure their first league title in 44 years.

Touré earned 100 caps for Ivory Coast between 2004 and 2015, featuring in three FIFA World Cups and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He captained the team to victory in AFCON 2015 and was named African Footballer of the Year four times (2011–2014).

Yaya Touré – Coaching Career

Assisted at Leyton Orient during COVID-19.

Joined Olimpik Donetsk (Ukraine) as assistant manager in February 2021.

Appointed assistant coach at Akhmat Grozny (Russia) in June 2021.

Became U-16 coach at Tottenham Hotspur Academy in August 2022.

Moved to Standard Liège (Belgium) as assistant manager in June 2023.

Named assistant coach of the Saudi Arabia national team under Roberto Mancini in November 2023.

In June 2026, appointed head coach of Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia), signing a three-year contract. On August 26, 2026, he became the first African head coach to guide a club into the UEFA Champions League league phase after defeating NK Celje.

Kolo Touré – Playing Career

Kolo began his career at ASEC Mimosas before moving to Arsenal in 2002, making 326 appearances and being part of the famous 2003–04 Invincibles side.

In 2009, he joined Manchester City, later reuniting with his younger brother Yaya. He helped City win their first league title in 44 years. In 2013, he signed for Liverpool, and later won the Scottish Premiership and League Cup with Celtic.

Touré earned 120 caps for Ivory Coast between 2000 and 2015, featuring in three FIFA World Cups and seven AFCON tournaments, winning the 2015 AFCON.

Kolo Touré – Coaching Career

Appointed to the Ivorian Football Federation coaching staff in August 2017.

Joined Celtic as a technical assistant in September 2017.

Moved to Leicester City in February 2019 as a first-team coach under Brendan Rodgers.

Appointed manager of Wigan Athletic in November 2022 but was dismissed in January 2023 after nine winless games.

Returned to Manchester City in July 2025 as assistant coach to Pep Guardiola, helping the team win a domestic double (Carabao Cup and FA Cup) in the 2025/2026 season.

The Touré brothers have seamlessly transitioned from legendary playing careers to impactful coaching roles, continuing to raise the profile of Ivorian football on the global stage.

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