Yaya Toure – Central Midfielder – Cote D’Ivoire

Often criticized for not replicating his club performances in the international arena, Yaya Toure has finally silenced his critics by leading Cote D’Ivoire to their second ever major continental title. The Manchester City maestro completed the highest number of passes of any outfield player, and chipped in with delightful set-pieces, a cool penalty kick, and a net-buster that Kidiaba surely heard before he saw. The four-time African player of the year has started this calendar year as impressively as possible, and he seems to be getting better with age.