Cheikhou Kouyaté

• Full name: Cheikhou Kara Mbodj Kouyaté
• Date of birth: December 21, 1990
• Place of birth: Dakar, Senegal
• Nationality: Senegalese
• Position: Defensive midfielder / Centre-back
• Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)

Club career (highlights)

• ASC Yeggo (youth / early career in Senegal)
• Germinal Beerschot (Belgium) — senior breakthrough
• Standard Liège (Belgium) — established as a key midfielder
• West Ham United (England, Premier League) — prominent spell from 2014 to 2018
• Crystal Palace (England, Premier League) — 2018 to 2021
• Nottingham Forest (England) — joined in 2021; served as experienced defensive presence

International career

• National team: Senegal
• Senegal debut: 2009
• Caps / Goals: Long-time senior international — over 80 caps (exact totals vary with time)
• Tournaments: Played at multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and FIFA World Cup qualifiers; key member of the Senegal squad that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (tournament played in January–February 2022, often referred to as AFCON 2021).
• Role: Team leader on and off the pitch; known for defensive steel, aerial ability, tackling and physical presence.

Style of play and attributes

• Combines physicality and stamina with good tackling and interception skills.
• Comfortable playing as a single defensive midfielder shielding the back four or slotting into central defense when required.
• Strong in aerial duels and useful on set pieces both defensively and offensively.
• Known for leadership qualities and consistent work-rate.

Notable honours

• Africa Cup of Nations: Winner with Senegal (2021/held 2022)
• Domestic cups and honours with club sides during his time in Belgium and England (specific titles vary by season).

Notes: Caps, goals and club affiliation may have changed after 2026; for current season statistics and club status consult an up-to-date football database or the club's official site.