The Ivorian icon, Yaya Toure, has won the best African footballer for a record fourth time in a row. Toure saw off competition from Borussia Dortmund’s Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Lille and Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama to clinch the prestigious award. Everton’s Etoo is the only other player who has won this award for 4 times; however, he could not win it in successive times like Toure did. After receiving the award, Toure took the dais and expressed his gratitude to Allah for helping him achieve this feat:

“First, I want to thank Allah for being blessed all these years. I also want to thank football fans and CAF for also making it possible for me to win this trophy again this year.”

The 31-year-old attacking mifielder netted 20 brilliant goals in 35 Premier League appearances last year to help Manchester City lift the Premier League trophy. Fifa also nominated him in top 23 men for the coveted Ballon d’or award. Toure also played a crucial role in helping Ivory coast make into the World Cup 2014 in Brazil. However, Toure’s side got eliminated from the World Cup in the initial group stage.