Cheikhou Kouyate retires from football after 92 Senegal caps

Cheikhou Kouyate has announced his retirement from football, bringing an end to the career of a former Senegal international leader who played a significant role for the Lions of Teranga.

The Senegalese Football Federation paid tribute to the midfielder on its Facebook page, praising a “career marked by commitment, leadership and an unwavering love for the national shirt”.

“Thank you for all those years of dedication and the emotions we shared. Your name will remain forever engraved in the history of Senegalese football,” the governing body wrote.

Kouyate made 92 appearances for Senegal and scored four goals. He represented his country at several major international tournaments, including editions of the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup.

He was part of the Senegal team that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021, a tournament held in Cameroon in January and February 2022.

His retirement closes an important chapter in the recent history of the Lions of Teranga.