Former RSC Anderlecht and West Ham United midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté has announced his retirement from professional football at age 36, sharing the decision in a social media statement. The Senegalese player pointed to a career that spanned spells in Belgium, England, Turkey, and international tournaments with the national team.
He added that his greatest pride remained wearing the shirt of Senegal and contributing to the historic victory at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations.
Trophy Success at RSC Anderlecht and European Journeys
Before his move to the English Premier League, Kouyaté established his career in Belgian football. Following early stints at FC Brussels and KV Kortrijk, he joined RSC Anderlecht in 2009. Over five seasons through 2014, the defensive midfielder made 206 appearances for the Brussels club in all competitions.
During his time at Anderlecht, Kouyaté won four Belgian league titles in 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014, alongside two Belgian Super Cups in 2011 and 2014. Following his success in Belgium, he moved to England, where he played for West Ham United from 2014 to 2018, Crystal Palace from 2018 to 2022, and Nottingham Forest from 2022 to 2024. He concluded his club career with a brief spell in Turkey at Amed SK in 2025.
Medical Obstacles and a Proposed Return to Belgium
Earlier in 2026, a potential return to Anderlecht fell through following a medical examination. He explained that the issue had been monitored every six months during his years in England by medical staff at West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest, where he had signed liability waivers to continue playing.
However, the medical findings halted the playing comeback.
International Career Highlights and Transition to Coaching
For the Senegal national team, Kouyaté earned 92 caps and scored four international goals. He represented the “Lions of Teranga” at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, culminating in his selection as part of the coaching staff under head coach Pape Thiaw for the subsequent 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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