Ghana and Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey is in mourning following the death of his father, Jacob Teye Partey, who passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. He was 82.
Jacob Teye Partey was born on June 29, 1944. The news was first shared by African football expert Nuhu Adams, prompting an outpouring of condolences for the deputy Black Stars captain.
The cause of death has not been disclosed, and the family has yet to comment publicly, with sources indicating they are observing a private period of grief. Partey, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab, has not issued a public statement. The tragedy comes less than 24 hours after Ghana’s crushing defeat to Gambia in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, leaving the Black Stars with no points after two rounds of matches. Partey, 33, missed the qualifiers due to injury.
A Father’s Sacrifice
Behind Thomas Partey’s rise from the small town of Odumase Krobo to the pinnacle of European football stood a father who gave everything. Jacob Teye Partey, a local footballer and coach, sold his personal possessions—including his medals and lands—to finance his son’s boots, visa, and first trip to Spain for a trial with Atlético Madrid in 2011.
“He made a big effort and he sold things in order to get my papers and to buy me boots,” Thomas Partey told Marca in 2018. “He helped me since I was small as without boots you could not play”.
Thomas never forgot that sacrifice. On Father’s Day in June 2016, shortly after Atlético’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, he decorated his father with the silver medal he had earned that night. Born the eldest of eight siblings, Partey shared a close bond with his father, who remained a constant presence in his career—publicly backing his son’s captaincy ambitions, celebrating his milestones, and even leading a delegation to mourn the late Christian Atsu in 2023. In March 2025, Partey shared a heartwarming video of time spent with his parents before a Chad clash, underscoring the enduring closeness of their relationship.
A Turbulent Period
The personal loss adds to a deeply challenging chapter for the 33-year-old midfielder. Partey left Arsenal in 2025 after five seasons and joined Villarreal on a free transfer, before signing a one-year deal with Al Shabab in August 2026. He has been facing serious legal challenges in the United Kingdom: charged in July 2025 with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women, with two additional rape charges added in February 2026 involving a fourth woman. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and was granted bail ahead of a trial scheduled for November 2026, though reports suggest it could be delayed until early 2027.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Partey was included in Ghana’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. He missed Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama after being denied a visa by Canadian authorities, prompting Ghana’s government to formally protest the decision. He was later permitted entry into the United States and featured in three matches as Ghana advanced to the Round of 32.
Tributes Pour In
Tributes are expected from across the football world as family, friends, and supporters rally around Partey during this difficult time. The Ghana football community has been deeply saddened by the news, with teammates, clubs, and officials expected to offer their condolences. Funeral and burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
For Partey, the loss of his father represents not only a personal tragedy but the passing of the man whose sacrifice made his remarkable journey possible.
Rest in peace, Jacob Teye Partey.
