Yaya Toure makes history as first African manager to reach Champions League group stage
Former Ivory Coast star Yaya Toure has become the inaugural African coach to guide a side into the UEFA Champions League proper, doing so with Slovan Bratislava.
Yaya Toure, the retired Ivory Coast midfielder, was appointed head coach of Slovan Bratislava in June and has already led the team to the UEFA Champions League group stage, a first for an African manager. Slovan earned the spot after a 3-2 aggregate victory over NK Celje, following earlier wins against Georgian side Saburtalo and Swedish club Mjallby in the qualifying rounds. Toure, who retired from playing in 2019 after a trophy-laden career with Barcelona and Manchester City, previously served as an assistant at clubs across Europe and with the Saudi Arabian national team.
Fans celebrated his achievement with a chant popular from his Manchester City days. The club will learn its group-stage opponents when the draw is held in Madrid on Thursday. This breakthrough highlights the growing influence of African talent in European football management.
Why it matters
It marks a breakthrough for African coaches in elite European club football, showing expanding opportunities beyond playing careers.
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