We at the FWA are proud to announce that Yaya Toure has been honoured with our Tribute for 2023. The former Barcelona, Manchester City and Ivory Coast midfielder was presented with his award at the FWA’s annual Tribute Night, at the Landmark London on Sunday February 19th.
He said: “I want to thank the FWA. This is a huge honour for me and a massive privilege.”
Patrick Vieira and Chris Powell gave speeches about Yaya, whose former colleagues Joleon Lescott, Didier Drogba and Vincent Kompany sent video tributes to the Ivorian.
After an onstage interview with new FWA Chair John Cross, Yaya then gave his own speech starting with his condolences for the family and friends of Christian Atsu, who was killed in the recent earthquake in Turkey.
Earlier in the evening the FWA honoured England’s Lionesses for their success in winning the European Championship last summer. The players and staff were unable to receive their trophy in person because they were playing Italy in the Arnold Clark Trophy on Sunday, but in a pre-recorded interview, coach Sarina Wiegman thanked the FWA for the award and thanked our members for their part in publicising and helping to grow women’s football.
