Christ Inao Oulai has been named Ivory Coast’s Player of the Year after a remarkable campaign that saw the young midfielder emerge as one of the country’s leading football talents.
The Trabzonspor player received the prestigious Yaya Touré Award at the fifth edition of the Ivorian Football Gala dinner, placing him among a list of celebrated Elephants stars who have previously claimed the honour.
Oulai, formerly of Jacque Angré and SC Bastia, earned recognition after producing an impressive season in Turkey, where he played a key role for Trabzonspor.
The midfielder featured in 28 matches during the campaign, contributing two goals and four assists as he established himself as an important figure for his club.
However, it was his performances at international level that further strengthened his claim for the award.
Oulai played a significant role for Ivory Coast’s national team, impressing during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco before also representing the Elephants at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His displays for the national side highlighted his ability to control games from midfield and confirmed his growing importance within the team.
The award, which recognises the outstanding Ivorian footballer of the year, was presented to Oulai during the gala ceremony.
He was praised for his creativity, his influence in possession and his ability to produce decisive moments for both club and country.
At only 20 years old, Oulai has quickly developed into one of the most promising players of Ivory Coast’s new generation.
His rise has been particularly notable considering his journey from local football to becoming a recognised international figure.
The former Bastia midfielder has followed in the footsteps of some of Ivory Coast’s biggest football names by securing the country’s top individual football prize.
The recognition represents another major step in Oulai’s career and reflects the impact he has made despite his young age.
His performances in Turkey provided the foundation for a breakthrough year, but his contributions with the national team elevated his profile further.
During the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the 2026 World Cup, Oulai demonstrated the qualities expected from a future leader of the Elephants midfield.
The award organisers highlighted his playmaking skills and his ability to influence matches, qualities that have made him a key player for both his club and country.
Oulai’s achievement also underlines the emergence of a new generation of Ivorian footballers ready to carry the national team forward.
With his technical ability, confidence and growing experience on major stages, the midfielder is now viewed as one of the brightest prospects in Ivorian football.
After receiving the Yaya Touré Award, Oulai will look to continue his development and build on a season that has established him among the elite players representing Ivory Coast.
