Name: Cheikhou Kouyaté

Full name: Cheikhou Omaro Kouyaté

Date of birth: 21 December 1990

Place of birth: Dakar, Senegal

Nationality: Senegalese

Position: Defensive midfielder / Centre-back

Physical: Height ~1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)

Club career (highlights):

• ASC Yakaar / Senegal (youth): Began his early development in Senegal.
• R. Charleroi S.C. (Belgium): Broke through in Europe after moving to Charleroi in 2009, establishing himself in the Belgian top flight.
• R.S.C. Anderlecht (Belgium): Transferred to Anderlecht in 2012, where he won multiple Belgian Pro League titles and played regularly in domestic and European competitions.
• West Ham United (England): Joined West Ham in July 2014. Played as a combative defensive midfielder and occasional centre-back. Known for his physicality, work rate, ball-winning ability and versatility. Made over 150 appearances across Premier League, FA Cup and European matches. Key contributor in midfield through several seasons and featured in West Ham’s 2015–16 and later campaigns, including their 2019–20 Europa League qualification and other cup runs.
• Crystal Palace (England): After leaving West Ham, he joined Crystal Palace in August 2018, continuing to play in the Premier League.

International career:

• Senior debut for Senegal in 2010.
• Long-serving member of the Senegal national team (the Lions of Teranga), earning 70+ caps (as of mid-2020s) and participating in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.
• Played a prominent role in Senegal’s midfield during AFCON tournaments; contributed experience and leadership.

Playing style and strengths:

• Strong physical presence, aerial ability and tackling.
• Versatile—comfortable as a deep-lying midfielder or as a centre-back when required.
• Good engine and work-rate; effective at breaking up play and making simple forward passes to launch attacks.
• Leadership qualities and resilience on the field.

Notable achievements:

• Belgian Pro League titles with Anderlecht.
• Regular Premier League starter for West Ham United with over 150 appearances across competitions for the club.
• Long-term Senegal international with significant tournament experience.

Recent status: After his spell at West Ham (2014–2018), Kouyaté continued his Premier League career with Crystal Palace. For the latest club, appearance and cap totals, and current status, consult up-to-date sources as transfers and squad numbers may have changed since this summary.