Former African footballer of the year Yaya Touré has been appointed head coach of Slovak champions ŠK Slovan Bratislava, the club announced on Saturday, marking his first senior managerial role.
The 43-year-old Ivorian, who enjoyed a decorated playing career with clubs including Barcelona and Manchester City, has signed a three-year contract with the reigning Niké Liga champions as he transitions from assistant coaching roles into top-level management.
Touré replaces outgoing manager Vladimír Weiss and is expected to immediately lead the club’s preparations for both domestic competition and UEFA Champions League qualifiers.
Since retiring in 2020, Touré has steadily built his coaching résumé across several countries. His experience includes assistant roles at Olimpik Donetsk in Ukraine, Akhmat Grozny in Russia, Tottenham Hotspur’s academy setup in England, Standard Liège in Belgium, and most recently with the Saudi Arabia national team under Roberto Mancini.
In his first remarks as head coach, Touré expressed excitement about the new challenge.
“I’m very happy and excited. I can’t wait to get started,” he said in a statement released by the club. “Football means everything to me. I love challenges, and I’m thrilled to coach a club with such history, ambition, and passionate supporters.”
Slovan Bratislava CEO Ivan Kmotrík Jr. described Touré’s appointment as a key step in the club’s long-term sporting vision, saying the former midfielder impressed during the selection process with both his experience at the highest level and his coaching ambition.
The club now enters a critical period as it prepares for the new season, with priorities split between defending its domestic title and competing in Europe. Slovan will discover its UEFA Champions League second qualifying round opponent on June 17, with fixtures set to begin in mid-July.
Touré is expected to be officially unveiled at a press conference in Bratislava on June 15, where he will also introduce his full coaching staff as he begins work on shaping the squad ahead of a demanding campaign.
