Yaya Toure has been named on the five-man shortlist for the BBC’s African Player of the Year award.
The Ivorian joins Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ghana international Andre Ayew, Porto star Yacine Brahimi and Southampton starlet Sadio Mane as a contender for the accolade.
The 32-year-old captained Ivory Coast to their first African Cup of Nations in over 20 years in early 2015 – beating Ghana in the final – and has also been an integral part of the midfield at the Etihad since returning from Equatorial Guinea.
Three of the players on the shortlist have previously won the award – Ayew in 2011, Toure in 2013 and reigning champion Brahimi last year.
Toure is the early favourite for the award, with the former Barcelona anchor also being the only African named on the prestigious Ballon d’Or shortlist.
The BBC will announce the winner of the competition on Friday 11th December and a special live show will air on the BBC World Service in aid of revealing the winner.
