Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab has granted Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey a special leave to visit his family in Ghana following the death of his father, Jacob Partey. The news was announced on October 6, 2026, two days after the death was made public on September 30. According to reports, Mr. Partey died after a short illness. Al Shabab expressed its condolences to the Ghanaian international and his family.
Thomas Partey joined Al Shabab on August 12, 2026, as the latest stage of his distinguished career in European football. The 33-year-old began his senior career in Spain, where he played for Atlético Madrid and Villarreal, before moving to England to join Arsenal. He spent last season with Villarreal, making 32 appearances in all competitions. Al Shabab signed Partey to add experience, physical strength, and technical quality to their midfield.
Partey's personal life has been marred by controversy recently. Just four days after he departed from Arsenal, he faced six serious criminal charges in the UK. The charges were formally presented at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5, 2026. These charges have been leveled against him by three different women. The allegations include claims of rape and sexual assault.
According to court documents, Complainant 1 alleges that Partey engaged in non-consensual anal sex with her on multiple occasions between April and June 2021. Complainant 2 also alleges that in December 2021, Partey raped her vaginally after she refused to engage in sexual activity. The complainant further alleges that in February 2022, he penetrated her anally after she explicitly declined anal sex.
A third allegation from Complainant 2 states that during a trip to Marbella, Spain, in June 2022, Partey raped her vaginally. Complainant 3 also claims that in February 2022, Partey attempted to kiss her and touched her over her clothes without her consent. However, the player has denied all the allegations leveled against him. His lawyer has denied the charges of rape and sexual assault against her client.
The allegations against Partey have not affected his football career, as Al Shabab continues to support him. The club has granted him a compassionate leave to mourn with his family. Partey's career has been marked by success, playing for top-tier clubs in Europe. He has also represented Ghana at the international level.
As Partey returns to Ghana to mourn his father's death, his focus will be on his family and his future in football. The outcome of the charges against him remains to be seen. For now, he has the support of his club and his fans. Key issues surrounding Partey's case include the allegations against him and his response to them.
Key points
- Al Shabab grants Thomas Partey compassionate leave to visit family in Ghana after his father's death.
- Thomas Partey faces six serious criminal charges in the UK, which he has denied.
- Partey's career has been marked by success, playing for top-tier clubs in Europe and representing Ghana internationally.
