Yaya Touré Earns UEFA Pro Licence
His coaching experience includes positions such as assistant coach at Olimpik Donetsk and Akhmat Grozny, as well as a stint with Tottenham Hotspur’s academy.
Former Manchester City player Yaya Toure earned UEFA Pro Licence to pave way for coaching career. Photo/Fabrizio Romano.
Yaya Touré, the Ivorian football legend renowned for his illustrious playing career with clubs like FC Barcelona and Manchester City, has officially obtained his UEFA Pro Licence, the highest coaching certification in European football.
This achievement marks a significant milestone in Touré’s transition from player to coach, equipping him to manage teams at the highest levels of the sport.
The UEFA Pro Licence is a rigorous program designed to develop elite football managers and coaches.
Graduates are qualified to take on head coaching roles in top-tier leagues and international competitions.
Touré’s journey into coaching began shortly after his retirement from professional football.
He has previously earned his UEFA A Licence through the Football Association of Wales, which allowed him to take on coaching roles at youth and senior levels.
His coaching experience includes positions such as assistant coach at Olimpik Donetsk and Akhmat Grozny, as well as a stint with Tottenham Hotspur’s academy.
In 2023, he joined Standard Liège as an assistant coach before taking up a role with the Saudi Arabian national team.
The completion of the UEFA Pro Licence not only underscores Touré’s commitment to his development as a coach but also positions him among a select group of African footballers who have transitioned into high-level coaching roles.
His deep understanding of the game, garnered from a playing career that includes multiple league titles and a UEFA Champions League victory, combined with his formal coaching education, makes him a promising candidate for managerial positions in the future.
Touré’s achievement is part of a broader trend of former players pursuing advanced coaching qualifications to bring their on-field experience into managerial and technical roles.
This movement is seen as vital for the development of football, as it ensures that the expertise and insights gained by players at the highest levels are passed on to the next generation.
As Touré embarks on this new chapter, the football community will be keenly observing his contributions to the sport from the touchline.
His progression serves as an inspiration to many aspiring coaches, particularly in Africa, highlighting the importance of formal education and practical experience in achieving coaching excellence.
For more insights into Yaya Touré’s coaching journey and his perspectives on football management, you can listen to his interview on the “England Football Learning” podcast.
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