13 Interesting Thomas Partey Facts From Childhood
Updated: Sep 28
Thomas Partey's journey from childhood in Ghana to playing football at the highest level has taken him across two continents and through some of Europe's biggest clubs.
Born in Krobo Odumase, Ghana, Partey developed his passion for football before moving to Spain as a young player. His progress eventually took him to Atlético Madrid, where he developed into an established midfielder before earning a move to Arsenal.
His career has included domestic titles, European trophies, international football with Ghana and some memorable moments in an Arsenal shirt.
Parents, Family Background
Thomas Partey was born on June 13, 1993, to Jacob and Petty Partey in Ghana. His parents played an important role during his early years, providing the support that helped him pursue football as his career developed.
Partey also became a father during his playing career. He welcomed a baby girl with his girlfriend, Janine Mackson, on January 23, 2024.
His journey from Ghanaian football to the European game has therefore been shaped by both his career and the people closest to him.
Below Are Interesting Career Facts About Thomas Partey From Childhood
1. Early Football Days
Thomas Partey's football journey began in Ghana with Odometah in 2011. A year later, he moved to Spain and spent time with Leganés before joining Atlético Madrid's youth academy.
The move to Atlético proved to be an important stage in his development. It gave Partey the opportunity to learn within a major European club and work towards establishing himself in professional football.
Leganés also later benefited financially from his eventual move to Arsenal after negotiating a percentage of the Ghanaian midfielder's rights.
2. Height and Physicality
Thomas Partey stands at around 1.85 metres, or 6 feet 1 inch. His physical presence has been an important part of his game, particularly in midfield battles.
Partey's strength allows him to compete for possession, protect the ball under pressure and challenge opponents in defensive situations. Combined with his mobility, it has helped him operate effectively in the middle of the pitch.
3. Playing Style and Versatility
Partey is primarily a defensive midfielder, but his game has never been limited to winning the ball. He can carry possession forward, help build attacks and use his passing range to move his team up the pitch.
His physical strength and defensive awareness have also allowed him to operate in other positions when required, including at right-back.
That versatility has been useful throughout his career, particularly when injuries or tactical changes have forced managers to adjust their teams.
4. Professional Debut
Thomas Partey's professional career began with Atlético Madrid in 2013. Breaking into the first team of a major European club was an important step after his development through the club's youth system.
However, establishing himself at that level would take time. Partey needed regular first-team football to continue developing, which led to a series of loan moves during the early stages of his senior career.
5. Loan Spells and Development
Partey spent loan spells with Mallorca and Almería during his time under contract at Atlético Madrid. Those periods were important because they gave him regular senior football and the opportunity to experience different demands away from Atlético's first-team environment.
Rather than developing solely through training, Partey was able to test himself in competitive matches and gain experience against senior opposition. That development eventually helped him establish himself as a first-team player at Atlético.
6. International Representation
Thomas Partey has represented Ghana at international level and became an important member of the national team. He has featured for Ghana at several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and represented the country at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Playing for Ghana has also given Partey the opportunity to represent the country where his football journey began. His international career has therefore formed an important part of his identity as a player.
7. Accolades and Recognition
Partey's performances earned him significant individual recognition during his time at Atlético Madrid and with Ghana.
He was named Ghana Player of the Year in consecutive years in 2018 and 2019 and was also included in the CAF Team of the Year in 2018.
His club career brought further recognition. Partey became the first Ghanaian player to win the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in the same season when Atlético Madrid claimed both trophies in 2018.
Those achievements reflected how far his career had progressed since his early days playing football in Ghana.
8. Transfer to Arsenal and Jersey number
In October 2020, Thomas Partey joined Arsenal from Atlético Madrid in a deal worth £45 million, making him one of the club's significant midfield signings.
He took the No.5 shirt at Arsenal, a number previously worn by several notable players including Tony Adams, Steve Walford, Kolo Touré and Thomas Vermaelen.
Partey explained his preference for the number at the time, saying that it was important to him and had been his number for several years.
The move represented another major stage in his career, taking him from Spanish football into the Premier League.
Partey expressed his fondness for the number, stating on Arsenal's official website: "I like the Number five because it's one of the most important numbers in the team and it is also a lucky number for me. It's the number I've worn for the past few years, so for me it's one of the best numbers."
9. Premier League Debut
Partey's Premier League debut came on October 17, 2020, when Arsenal faced Manchester City. It was a demanding introduction to English football, with Arsenal travelling to face one of the strongest teams in the Premier League.
Partey had arrived with considerable experience from Atlético Madrid, but adapting to the pace and physical demands of English football presented a different challenge.
His debut marked the beginning of his Arsenal career and a new chapter in his development as a midfielder.
10. Club Success and Trophy Triumphs
Partey's most successful spell in European football came during his time at Atlético Madrid. He was part of the Atlético side that won the UEFA Europa League in 2017–18 and followed that success by lifting the UEFA Super Cup in 2018.
He also helped Atlético win La Liga in 2020–21. These achievements gave Partey experience of winning major domestic and European competitions before his move to Arsenal.
11. Memorable Moments and Goal-Scoring Feats
One of Partey's memorable Arsenal moments came against Tottenham Hotspur in October 2022. He scored in Arsenal's 3-1 home victory over their north London rivals, producing a long-range strike that was later recognised as Arsenal's Goal of the Month for October.
The goal stood out because it combined one of Partey's strengths — striking the ball from distance — with the significance of the fixture. Scoring against Tottenham in a North London derby made the moment even more memorable for Arsenal supporters.
12. Once changed name to Yakubu
An unusual chapter in Partey's personal life came after he converted to Islam and reportedly changed his name to Yakubu following his marriage to Sara Bella, a Moroccan radiologist and model.
Despite the change, he continued to be known professionally as Thomas Partey while playing for Arsenal, with his shirt carrying the name "Thomas".
The marriage later ended, bringing that particular chapter of his personal life to a close.
It remains one of the lesser-known aspects of Partey's story away from the football pitch.
13. Difficulties Adapting to Arsenal's Style of Play
Partey's move to Arsenal brought a new tactical challenge. Although he arrived with extensive experience from Atlético Madrid, he acknowledged that adapting to Arsenal's style of play was difficult during the early part of his time at the club.
Injuries also disrupted his progress during this period. Speaking ahead of Arsenal's Europa League meeting with Olympiacos in 2021, Partey acknowledged that adapting to the team's approach had been difficult but said he felt more comfortable with it as time went on.
"Yes, it was a difficult moment to get used to how the team play and I think the injuries are part of the adaptation and now I feel good," Partey said ahead of Arsenal's Europa League last-16 first leg against Olympiacos in 2021.
His experience highlights an often-overlooked part of a footballer's career: moving between clubs is not simply about changing leagues.
Players also have to adapt to new tactical systems, teammates and expectations. For Partey, that adjustment became another part of his journey from Ghanaian football to the Premier League.
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