Ivorian football legend Yaya Touré has made history by becoming the first African coach to lead a team in a UEFA Champions League match.
Touré achieved the landmark feat on Wednesday when he guided Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava against defending European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the league phase of the 2026/27 competition.
Although Slovan suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat at the Parc des Princes, the occasion marked an important moment for African football and Touré’s growing coaching career.
PSG dominated the game from the start, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring twice and Ferran Torres completing a hat-trick. Fabián Ruiz added another goal, while Slovan’s Suleiman Camara scored the visitors’ consolation.
Despite the result, Touré’s presence on the touchline was historic. The former Manchester City midfielder has been steadily building his coaching career since retiring from professional football.
He previously worked as an assistant coach at clubs including Olimpik Donetsk, Akhmat Grozny and Standard Liège. He also worked with the Saudi Arabia national team under former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini.
Touré’s Champions League appearance represents another major step in his transition from an accomplished midfielder to a coach at the highest level of European club football.
The 43-year-old enjoyed a decorated playing career, winning league titles in England, Spain and Greece, while also helping Manchester City secure their first Premier League title in the 2011/12 season.
He was also a key figure for Côte d’Ivoire, earning more than 100 international caps and helping the country win the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
