Ghanaian · Krobo Odumase, Ghana · Born 13 June 1993Ghanaian professional footballer and defensive midfielder known for his physicality, passing range, and versatility in Arsenal's midfield
Thomas Teye Partey was born in Krobo Odumase, Ghana in 1993. Atlético Madrid's academy produced him and he won three Europa Leagues and the La Liga title under Diego Simeone — becoming one of the finest defensive midfielders in European football. Arsenal paid his £45 million release clause in October 2020. His Arsenal career was disrupted by persistent thigh and ankle injuries — limiting his availability significantly across multiple seasons. When fully fit he has been considered Arsenal's most important defensive midfielder — his ability to win the ball, distribute it quickly and dictate tempo combining qualities that few players at his level possess simultaneously. He represented Ghana 52 times — becoming the country's most influential modern player. His injury record is the primary factor preventing him from being discussed in the same sentence as the Premier League's elite midfielders.
Key midfielder in Atlético Madrid's La Liga title win
How They Played
Box-to-box midfielder with strong defensive abilities and powerful shooting
Lasting Impact
Partey has established himself as one of Africa's premier midfielders and helped raise the profile of Ghanaian football on the global stage.
Career Honours
- Europa League 3x (Atlético Madrid)
- La Liga (2021)
- Ghanaian Footballer of Year multiple
- La Liga 2020-21
- Europa League 2017-18
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlético Madrid | 2013–2020 | — | 188 | 6 | #5 |
| Arsenal | 2020–2024 | £50m | 112 | 8 | — |
| Atlético Madrid B | 2013–2015 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Mallorca | 2014–2015 | loan | 24 | 1 | — |
| Almería | 2015–2016 | loan | 35 | 1 | — |
 Ghana | — | — | 52 | 13 | — |
Ghanaian Athletes