Ivorian football legend Yaya Touré has made history by becoming the first African coach to qualify a team for the UEFA Champions League league phase.
Touré guided Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava through the preliminary rounds without a single defeat. His side recorded four wins and two draws, sealing qualification with a 3-2 aggregate victory over NK Celje in the playoff, which included an extra-time win in the second leg.
The achievement comes in Touré’s first senior managerial role. He took charge of Slovan Bratislava in June 2026, building on earlier experience as an assistant coach after a distinguished playing career that included a Champions League title with Barcelona and major success at Manchester City.
The former midfielder’s rapid impact in European competition has been widely celebrated as a landmark moment for African coaches on the continental stage.
Touré’s success with Slovan Bratislava marks a significant milestone and opens the door for greater recognition of African managerial talent in Europe’s top club competition.
