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 on 13 June 1993 in Krobo Odumase, Ghana, and progressed through the youth ranks of local club Odometah before signing with Atlético Madrid in 2011. After loan spells at Mallorca and Almería to gain experience, he broke into the Atlético first team and developed into one of La Liga's most complete defensive midfielders, combining physical power with a surprising eye for a spectacular long-range goal. Partey spent seven seasons as a key figure in Diego Simeone's midfield, helping Atlético Madrid reach the 2016 Champions League final and win the 2020-21 La Liga title, before Arsenal signed him in 2020. He went on to spend five seasons in London, becoming an important squad player for the club's resurgence under manager Mikel Arteta. Partey has represented Ghana since 2016, becoming one of the country's most important midfielders and playing at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, valued for his tactical discipline and ability to break up opposition attacks before they develop. Partey moved to Villarreal in 2025, returning to Spanish football after five seasons in the Premier League, continuing a career built on defensive reliability and occasional moments of individual brilliance from midfield.
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 | — | 132 | 12 | #5 |
| Mallorca | 2013–2014 | loan | 37 | 5 | — |
| Almería | 2014–2015 | loan | 31 | 4 | — |
| Arsenal | 2020–2025 | £45m | 130 | 9 | — |
| Villarreal | 2025–2026 | — | 25 | 0 | — |
 Ghana | — | — | 52 | 13 | — |
Ghanaian Athletes