Thomas Partey, the talented Ghanaian midfielder, is a prominent figure in the football world, currently playing for Arsenal in the Premier League and representing the Ghana national team. His professional journey began with Atlético Madrid in 2013, and he subsequently had loan spells at Mallorca and Almería before returning to Atlético in 2015, where he achieved success by winning the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018. In a significant transfer in 2020, Thomas moved to Arsenal for a record-breaking fee of £45 million (€50 million), making him the most expensive Ghanaian player in history. As an international player, Partey has proudly represented Ghana in three Africa Cup of Nations (2017, 2019, and 2021) and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His outstanding performances earned him a spot in the CAF Team of the Year in 2018 and earned him the Ghana Player of the Year award in both 2018 and 2019. Currently donning the number 5 jersey for Arsenal, Thomas Partey's remarkable football journey showcases his immense talent and dedication to the sport. He is nicknamed "The Octopus".
Thomas Partey is a Ghanaian midfielder who shines for Arsenal in the Premier League and proudly represents Ghana. His successful career started at Atlético Madrid in 2013, where he won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. His transfer to Arsenal in 2020 for £45 million (€50 million) set a new record for Ghanaian players. Thomas has excelled in three Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, earning honors like the CAF Team of the Year and Ghana Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019.
Thomas Partey, whose full name is Thomas Teye Partey, was born on 13th June 1993 in Krobo Odumase, Ghana. He holds Ghanaian nationality and is of Ghanaian-African ethnicity, born under the zodiac sign of Gemini. Coming from a humble background, he was raised in a family with limited means; his father was a local football coach, and his mother worked as a petty trader. Among his five siblings, he holds the distinction of being the eldest, and while his father's name is Jacob Partey, his mother's name remains undisclosed.
Thomas Partey, a product of Odometah's youth ranks, joined Atlético Madrid in 2012, following a brief stint with Leganés, and later moved to their reserves. While he was called up to the main squad for a match against Real Sociedad, he didn't get to play. Subsequently, he was loaned to Mallorca and made his professional debut in a 0–4 away defeat against Sabadell, scoring his first professional goal in a 2–2 draw at Hércules. Partey's journey continued as he joined La Liga side Almería on loan, making his debut in a 1–1 home draw against Espanyol and scoring his first goals in the main category of Spanish football with a brace in a 3–0 home win against Granada on 11 April 2015.
Partey made his first-team debut for Atlético Madrid on 28 November 2015, playing in a 1–0 home win against Espanyol. He scored his first league goal on 2 January of the following year, securing a home success over Levante. Partey also featured in the UEFA Champions League Final against Real Madrid on 28 May, coming on as a substitute but losing on penalties. He extended his contract with Atlético through 2022 on 14 February 2017 and scored his first European goal on 31 October, becoming the first African to score in the competition for the club. Another contract extension followed on 1 March 2018, this time until 2023. Partey played in the 2018 UEFA Europa League Final, with Atlético winning 3–0 against Marseille. He showcased his talent further, scoring the winner in the last minute of the game as Atlético came back from 2–0 down to win 3–2 against Eibar on 1 September 2019. Notably, he marked his 100th La Liga appearance with a man-of-the-match performance in a 0–0 draw against Real Madrid in the Madrid derby. Despite leaving the club at the start of the 2020–21 season, Partey still made enough appearances to be eligible for a winner's medal as Atlético won La Liga that year.
On 5 October 2020, Arsenal announced the signing of Thomas Partey from Atlético Madrid on a long-term contract, having activated his £45 million (€50 million) release clause. Assigned the number 18 shirt, he expressed his eagerness to help the club return to their former glory and attributed his move to the desire for new challenges, with credit to manager Mikel Arteta and technical director Edu. Partey made his debut as a substitute in a 0–1 defeat against Manchester City on 17 October and started his first match for Arsenal in a 2–1 away victory over Rapid Wien in the UEFA Europa League five days later. However, injuries hindered his early Arsenal career, forcing him to miss several games. He made a notable impact on 22 October 2021, scoring his first goal for Arsenal in a 3–1 win against Aston Villa, and was named the club's player of the month in February 2022.
Internationally, in May 2016, Thomas Partey received his first call-up to the Ghana national team under manager Avram Grant, participating in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match against Mauritius. He made his debut on 5 June, coming on as a substitute in the final 11 minutes of a 2–0 away victory that secured the Black Stars' spot in the finals. On 5 September 2017, Partey achieved a remarkable milestone, scoring his first international hat-trick in a 5–1 win against Congo during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification. He was subsequently included in Kwesi Appiah's 23-man squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he played a significant role in Ghana's success, scoring in the group stage and during the penalty shootout in the last-16 match against Tunisia. Partey's outstanding performances earned him the Ghana Player of the Year award in both 2018 and 2019, and he was later appointed as the vice-captain for Ghana ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. In November 2022, he was once again called up, this time to the 26-man Ghana squad competing in Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Atlético Madrid
Individual
Thomas Partey, the immensely talented footballer, has amassed an impressive net worth of approximately $30 million by 2023. He secured a lucrative 5-year contract with Arsenal F.C. worth £52,000,000, which includes an annual average salary of £10,400,000. This year, he is set to earn a base salary and carry a cap hit both amounting to £10,400,000. With football being his primary source of wealth, his market value as of June 20, 2023, stands at an impressive €35 million. Thanks to his success, Thomas enjoys a lavish lifestyle at present, befitting his status as a highly regarded football star.
Thomas Partey has a beautiful girlfriend named Sara Bella, a Moroccan model, and they have been in a loving relationship for several years. The couple is now planning to take their commitment to the next level, enjoying their present life together with happiness. However, according to sources, Thomas was married to Giuseppina Nana Akua Baafi, with whom he shares a daughter named Partey Daniela. Despite the lack of details about how they met, their marriage date, or their current married life, Thomas has been straightforward about identifying as straight in terms of his sexual orientation.
Thomas Partey is not only a talented footballer but also a handsome athlete, standing tall at 1.85 meters and weighing 77 kilograms. With his striking black hair and captivating black eyes, he possesses a strong and athletic body type. Thomas takes great care of his physique by engaging in regular exercise, resulting in a healthy and fit appearance that complements his skills on the football field.
Arsenal had been keeping an eye on Thomas Partey for an impressive six years, as reported by The Athletic. The club's interest in him dates back to when he was a midfielder on loan at Almería, showcasing that his exceptional talent was recognized even before he played for prominent teams. Additionally, Thomas demonstrates his passion for supporting young African footballers by co-owning Club Deportivo Paracuellos, formerly known as Fútbol Alcobendas Sport. Through this initiative, he aims to facilitate their transition to European football and make a positive impact in the world of sports. He is currently playing in the club wearing shirt number #5.
Thomas Partey's upbringing is rooted in a humble and financially constrained family background. His father, a devoted football coach, ensured his children had all they needed to pursue their dreams. Despite Thomas's success and wealth, his mother remains committed to her small trading business, demonstrating her strong work ethic and responsibility. Thomas attributes his fighting spirit to his mother's guidance and support. While their initial disagreement over his decision to travel to Europe showed their bond, their love, and connection have remained strong throughout his journey.
In June 2022, Thomas received a great honor when he was appointed as chief of the Manya Krobo people in the Eastern Region of Ghana by their paramount chief, Nene Sakite II. This prestigious title was bestowed upon him in recognition of his leadership as the team captain, which led Ghana to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, defeating their neighboring rival, Nigeria.
In 2022, he made a significant personal decision and converted to Islam in March, influenced by his relationship with his Moroccan girlfriend, Sara Bella. As part of his religious conversion, he reportedly changed his first name to Yakubu in June. However, he later clarified that he had reverted to his original name, Thomas, both legally and professionally, just a few days after the initial report.
Thomas had a significant role in the Amazon Original sports docuseries "All or Nothing: Arsenal." The docuseries provided an in-depth look into the club's activities during the 2021–22 season, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective by capturing the interactions and experiences of the coaching staff and players on and off the field. Partey's involvement allowed fans to get closer to the team and witness the inner workings of Arsenal throughout the season.