Thomas Teye Partey, born in 1993 in Odumase Krobo, Ghana, established himself as a prominent defensive midfielder in European football before moving to the Saudi Pro League. His career spanned top-tier clubs in Spain and England, defined by significant transfer fees, major continental tournament appearances, and a series of legal developments occurring later in his professional tenure.
Early Development and Spanish Career
A product of Odometah's youth ranks in Ghana, Partey signed with Atlético Madrid in 2012. After a brief period with Leganés, he progressed to the reserve squad. His initial professional experience came during loan spells at Mallorca and Almería. Returning to Atlético Madrid, he made his first-team debut in November 2015. He played in the 2016 UEFA Champions League final and contributed to the club's 2018 UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup victories. He also earned a La Liga winner's medal for the 2020–21 season.
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In October 2020, Partey moved to Arsenal after the club triggered his £45 million release clause. He made 167 appearances for the London-based side over five seasons. During this time, he contributed to the 2023 FA Community Shield success. His tenure at Arsenal was characterized by various injury interruptions, including a sustained hamstring issue during the 2023–24 season, followed by a return to the starting line-up in August 2024 and additional scoring performances throughout early 2025.
Legal Proceedings
In July 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service charged Partey with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault regarding allegations involving three women between 2021 and 2022. In February 2026, he faced two additional charges of rape related to a separate incident involving a fourth woman in 2020. Following his departure from Arsenal, he signed a free transfer with Villarreal in August 2025, where the club acknowledged the pending charges while noting the presumption of innocence.
Fast facts
- Born: 1993, Odumase Krobo, Ghana
- Professional debut: 18 August 2013
- Arsenal transfer fee: £45 million
- Major titles: 2018 UEFA Europa League, 2018 UEFA Super Cup
- Arsenal appearances: 167
- 2023 honour: FA Community Shield
- Current club: Al-Shabab
- Citizenship: Ghana
Questions readers ask
Which major clubs has Thomas Partey played for?
Partey played for Atlético Madrid, Mallorca, Almería, Arsenal, and Villarreal, before moving to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab.
What legal charges is Thomas Partey facing?
As of February 2026, he faces seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault related to incidents reported in London between 2020 and 2022.
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