Cheikhou Kouyate Reveals He Played Entire Career With Undisclosed Heart Condition

Former Premier League midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, aged 36, has announced his retirement from professional football, revealing he played his entire career with a secret heart condition. Kouyate, who had spells at West Ham, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest, stated that he concealed the diagnosis from his family and national team doctors.

Kouyate told Senegalese channel Walf TV that he has had the heart problem since birth and that it was monitored regularly during medical check-ups in England. He explained that he took responsibility for any potential risks by signing insurance papers at various clubs, which stipulated that any serious incidents on the pitch would be his own responsibility.

The midfielder's condition reportedly worsens at high altitudes and can cause severe pain during and after matches, which he described as feeling like a five-minute side stitch. Despite these challenges, he continued to play, seeking to avoid an early forced retirement.

Kouyate's career spanned nearly 300 Premier League games. He last played for Amedspor in Turkey, where he appeared in eight matches before deciding to stop playing. He was approached by Anderlecht to play and begin coaching, but a recent medical examination prompted the doctor to advise him to cease playing football.

There have been several high-profile instances of fatal cardiac arrests on the pitch in football, including those of Marc-Vivien Foe, Antonio Puerta, and Cheikh Tiote. Kouyate's decision to continue playing despite his condition highlights a significant personal risk he managed throughout his career.