Cheikhou Kouyaté

Cheikhou Kouyaté (born 21 December 1989) is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or a centre-back for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and the Senegal national team.

Kouyaté began his career in Belgium with Anderlecht, where he won three league titles. He moved to West Ham United in 2014, where he spent five seasons, making over 100 appearances. In 2018, he joined Crystal Palace, where he played for four seasons, making over 100 appearances. In 2022, he joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer.

Kouyaté has represented Senegal since 2012, making over 80 appearances. He was part of the Senegal team that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Early life

Kouyaté was born in Dakar, Senegal. He started playing football at a young age, joining the local club ASC Diaraf. In 2008, he moved to Belgium to join Anderlecht.

Club career

Anderlecht

Kouyaté made his debut for Anderlecht in 2010. He quickly became a regular starter for the club, helping them to win the Belgian Pro League title in 2012, 2013 and 2014. He also played in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

West Ham United

In 2014, Kouyaté joined West Ham United for a fee of £10 million. He made his debut for the club on 16 August 2014, in a 2–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. He scored his first goal for the club on 28 September 2014, in a 2–0 win over Hull City.

Kouyaté was a regular starter for West Ham for five seasons, making over 100 appearances. He helped the club to qualify for the UEFA Europa League in 2016 and 2017.

Crystal Palace

In 2018, Kouyaté joined Crystal Palace for a fee of £10 million. He made his debut for the club on 11 August 2018, in a 2–0 win over Fulham. He scored his first goal for the club on 25 September 2018, in a 1–0 win over Huddersfield Town.

Kouyaté was a regular starter for Crystal Palace for four seasons, making over 100 appearances. He helped the club to reach the FA Cup final in 2020, where they lost 2–0 to Arsenal.

Nottingham Forest

In 2022, Kouyaté joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer. He made his debut for the club on 13 August 2022, in a 1–0 win over West Ham United.

International career

Kouyaté made his debut for Senegal in 2012. He has since made over 80 appearances for the national team. He was part of the Senegal team that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Personal life

Kouyaté is a Muslim. He is married and has two children.