<h1><br></h1><p>Touré achieved the feat with Slovak champions Slovan Bratislava after they defeated Slovenian side NK Celje 3–2 on aggregate in their final qualifying tie. The decisive result secured Slovan’s place among the 36 teams competing in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League league phase.</p><p>The historic achievement comes only a few months into Touré’s first appointment as a head coach. He took charge of Slovan Bratislava in June 2026 after previously working primarily as an assistant coach.</p><p>Slovan began their Champions League qualifying campaign in July with a 2–0 victory over Georgian side Saburtalo before drawing the second leg 1–1. They subsequently defeated Swedish club Mjällby over two legs to reach the play-off round, where they overcame Celje to complete their route into the main competition.</p><p>Touré’s achievement adds another milestone to an already distinguished football career. As a player, he enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Barcelona, winning the Champions League during the 2008/09 season. He later became one of Manchester City’s most influential players, winning three Premier League titles, an FA Cup and three League Cups.</p><p>At international level, Touré represented Côte d’Ivoire and was part of the team that won the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. He was also named African Footballer of the Year four consecutive times from 2011 to 2014. Before taking over at Slovan Bratislava, Touré gained coaching experience with several clubs and served as an assistant coach with the Saudi Arabian national team.</p><p>UEFA's official list of teams for the 2026/27 league phase confirms Slovan Bratislava's qualification, with Touré listed as the club's coach. The Slovak side will now compete alongside European heavyweights including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Liverpool and Bayern Munich.</p><p>Touré's achievement represents a landmark moment for African coaches seeking greater opportunities at the highest levels of European club football. The 43-year-old will now turn his attention to the league phase, where Slovan Bratislava will face some of Europe's leading clubs in what will be one of the biggest challenges of his emerging managerial career.</p><p>Photo credit: Yayra Toure, 3news.</p>