Welcome to Last Word on Football’s ‘Families in Football’ series. Over the next few weeks, we take a look at siblings, cousins, and even parents and children that have played the beautiful game. Some have played cup finals together while others have been on opposing sides. Today, we look at Yaya and Kolo Toure.
Families in Football: Yaya and Kolo Toure
Yaya Toure
The younger of the two brothers by two years, Yaya Toure began his playing career at Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas where he made his debut aged 18.
His impressive performances attracted the attention of clubs in Europe and in 2001 he joined Belgian side Beveren. Stints at Metalurh Donetsk, Olympiakos and Monaco followed.
Having initially aspired to be a striker during his youth career, it was in midfield where he truly made his name.
In 2007, he joined Barcelona where he won two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and the Champions League. He started the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United at centre-back due to Barca having a number of defensive injuries prior to the final.
Despite his success at Barcelona, he only stayed with the Catalan side for three years. He was allowed to leave in June 2010 where he joined Manchester City.
Successful Spell at Manchester City
He quickly established himself as a key member of City’s squad. The move saw him reunited with his older brother Kolo.
A year after his arrival, Yaya Toure scored the only goal in the FA Cup final to secure Manchester City’s first trophy in 35 years. The following season, he played a key role in City’s first Premier League title win.
During his time at the Citizens, he won three Premier League titles, two League Cups, and a FA Cup. His final appearance came in 2018 where Manchester City won 3-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion.
He returned to Olympiakos but made only two appearances. Yaya then moved to China to join Qingdao Huanghai where he finished his playing career.
Yaya was part of Ivory Coast’s golden generation who won the 2015 African Cup of Nations and appeared at three World Cups. He was named African footballer of the year four times.
Kolo Toure
The older of the Toure brothers, Kolo, like Yaya, started his career at ASEC Mimosas. After three years, he joined Arsenal in 2002 after a short trial. However, due to work permit issues, he didn’t make his debut until the following season.
Initially, he was used as a defensive midfielder and right-back. In the 2003/04 season, he started at centre-back. He struck up an effective partnership alongside Sol Campbell. It was the cornerstone of Arsenal’s invincible Premier League title win.
A few years later, Kolo Toure played a key role as the Gunners reached the Champions League final in 2006. He was part of the defence which kept ten consecutive clean sheets – which is a Champions League record. He also scored the vital winning goal against Villarreal in the semi-finals.
Overall, he won a Premier League title and two FA Cups during his time at Arsenal.
Plays With Brother at Manchester City
In 2009, he joined Manchester City but was suspended for six months after failing a drugs test two years later.
Kolo returned after suspension and made 14 appearances as City won their first league title in 44 years. Shortly afterwards, he joined Liverpool on a free transfer.
In March 2015, he came on as a substitute against his former club which saw him face his brother Yaya for the first time. He would go and help Liverpool reach the League Cup and Europa League finals in 2016.
He reunited with Brendan Rodgers in July 2016 as he joined Celtic. Overall he made 20 appearances in Celtic’s invincible treble season. A year later, he announced his retirement and took up a coaching role at the Parkhead club before joining Rodgers at Leicester City.
Alongside his brother, he played a key role in Ivory Coast’s African Cup of Nations win in 2015 and was part of the team of the tournament.
Interesting Facts
A little known fact is Yaya Toure also trialled for Arsenal a year after Kolo and represented the Gunners in a pre-season friendly against non-league side, Barnet.
They are the most successful set of brothers in Manchester City’s history and are only the second set of brothers to win Premier League winners medals after Gary and Phil Neville.
Despite, being the younger brother Yaya has won more major trophies than Kolo, winning 18 compared to Kolo’s 12.
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