Cheikhou Kouyaté don announce retirement from professional football at 36, according to CAF report of 10 October 2026. The Senegal midfielder departure close playing career wey include national-team captaincy and participation for several important international campaigns wey im country play.
CAF record 92 appearances and four goals for Senegal. Those figures describe long contribution, no be career wey scoring alone define. For midfielder wey also carry leadership responsibility, appearances across different squads remain important part of how person understand im work.
Im international tournament experience include FIFA World Cups for 2018 and 2022. E also represent Senegal for Olympic Games for 2012. Those dates put im career across different stages of the national team development, from Olympic football to two senior World Cup campaigns.
Kouyaté play for five Africa Cup of Nations editions. The landmark na Senegal first continental title for Cameroon 2021 edition, when the team beat Egypt for final. That tournament name identify the edition, so e suppose stay attached to the particular achievement.
Senegalese Football Federation praise im commitment and leadership for message wey CAF cite. The federation response focus on im relationship with national shirt and supporters. So e recognise role wey pass the four goals wey show for im international statistics.
Retirement end this playing chapter, but the documented record remain: 92 caps, major tournaments and place inside Senegal first AFCON-winning team. CAF announcement no establish new coaching or administrative job. If another role later come, dem suppose report am separately after confirmed announcement.