Cheikhou Kouyate announces retirement from professional football

Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyate has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a career that included spells with Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Crystal Palace.

Kouyate, who is now a free agent, confirmed his decision in a statement on his official Instagram account.

“There are decisions we make with our minds, but the heart needs a long time to accept them,” he wrote.

“Today, with a great deal of emotion, I announce the end of my career as a professional footballer.”

Kouyate said football had represented far more than employment during his career, describing it as a childhood dream and a passion that shaped him as a person.

“From the pitches of Dakar to the biggest stadiums in Europe, I experienced unforgettable emotions, celebrated victories, endured defeats and injuries, and went through moments of doubt that always taught me how to get back up,” he added.

The midfielder also reflected on the clubs he represented and his contribution to Senegal’s national team.

“I had the honour of wearing the shirts of great clubs, sharing dressing rooms with exceptional players and defending my country’s colours for many years,” he said.

“But my greatest pride will always be wearing the Senegal shirt and helping to write a historic page in Senegalese football by winning the first continental star in our history.”

Kouyate was part of the Senegal side that won the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, the country’s first triumph in the competition.

He said the achievements had come alongside sacrifices, personal struggles and work carried out away from the spotlight, but insisted he had no regrets about the path he chose.

“Behind every match were sacrifices, personal battles and efforts made in silence, but I have never regretted this journey,” he said.

“If I could go back to the beginning, I would choose football again. I would choose this adventure and this national shirt again.”

Kouyate ended his club career with Turkish side Amedspor, with his contract expiring in July.

Across his professional career, he made 579 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 20 assists. He also played 87 times for Senegal, scoring four goals and recording one assist.

“The final whistle has been blown on my career, but the memories will never be erased,” Kouyate said.

“I am leaving professional football, but I will keep inside me forever the player I was, the brothers I met and the dreams we achieved together.”