Ivorian Yaya Toure of Manchester City won Africa’s top football honour on Thursday, beating out his countryman Didier Drogba and Alexandre Song of Cameroon for the CAF player of the year award.
Toure, 29, claimed the prize for the second consecutive year, capping a season where he helped guide his club to the English Premier League title, their first in 44 years.
His crucial double against Newcastle in May made for a dramatic chapter in City’s championship bid as the club ultimately edged out bitter rival Manchester United on goal differential in a nail-biting finish.
The giant midfielder appeared to tear up as his name was called at the ceremony in Ghana’s capital.
“I have a lot of emotion,” he said after climbing the stage to accept the award. “I think this night is so special for me.”
He has been praised by City’s manager Roberto Mancini for his ability to fill so many roles.
Toure has voiced hope of a prolonged stay at the club and has predicted that more titles could be on the way.