Cheikhou Kouyate retires from international football aged 36

Cheikhou Kouyate has announced his retirement from international football after nearly two decades at the highest level, revealing that he has lived with a heart condition since birth.

The former Senegal captain made the announcement during an appearance on Walf TV, where he also discussed the effect his health had on the later stages of his professional career.

Kouyate, 36, said the condition had been present throughout his life but had largely remained private. He explained that it became a factor during discussions over his future with clubs.

When he was due to extend his time at Nottingham Forest for two seasons in 2022/23, the Premier League club instead opted to offer him a one-year agreement after learning about his medical issue. He said a similar situation arose when he attempted to join Leeds.

The health concerns contributed to a difficult period towards the end of his playing career. After leaving Nottingham Forest in 2022, the former West Ham and Crystal Palace player spent a lengthy spell without a club before returning to action in Turkey.

In 2025, he joined Amed SK, in what would prove to be his final club experience. Kouyate later explained the circumstances behind the termination of his contract with the Turkish side during an exclusive interview with Africafoot.

Senegal career comes to an end

Kouyate played a significant role in one of the most successful periods in Senegal’s recent history. He became an established member of the national team, eventually taking on the captaincy, and was part of the squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 in Cameroon.

His most recent appearance for Senegal came in March 2024. His international future had remained uncertain since then, but he has now formally decided to close that chapter.

The decision brings an end to a career in which Kouyate transitioned from midfield into defence while continuing to represent Senegal at the highest level. It also places renewed focus on the personal challenge he says he faced throughout his career: competing professionally while managing a heart condition that had existed since birth.