Arsenal ex-player Thomas Partey currently facing sexual assault allegations in the United Kingdom
In a shocking turn of events, Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey, a key player for Arsenal Football Club, has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The allegations, which involve three separate women, span between 2021 and 2022.
The Metropolitan Police began their investigation in February 2022, following a report of rape. To protect the identity of the suspect during the investigation, Partey's name was not disclosed publicly at the time. However, in July 2022, he was arrested, although his identity remained undisclosed.
On July 4, 2025, Partey was formally charged with the aforementioned offences. His identity was revealed as part of the public charges, and he is now scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on August 5 to answer these charges.
Through his lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, Partey has vehemently denied all the allegations against him and has expressed his eagerness to clear his name.
Partey's professional football career began in Spain, where he spent the majority of his time with Atletico Madrid. He made significant contributions to the club's successes, as reported by The Guardian, including victories in the Europa League in 2018 and the Liga in 2021.
However, his time at Arsenal, which began in 2020 for a transfer fee of 50 million euros, was marked by injuries. Despite these setbacks, he was a key element of Mikel Arteta's team, playing as a defensive midfielder and sometimes as a right-back.
Authorities emphasize their priority is providing support to the women involved and encourage anyone with information to come forward. The investigation was led by the Metropolitan Police, who worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to review evidence and determine appropriate charges.
This development comes as a surprise to the footballing world, and we will continue to follow this story closely as it unfolds.
[1] Metropolitan Police statement on Thomas Partey charges: https://www.met.police.uk/news/uk/statements/35327/ [2] Sky News: Thomas Partey arrested on suspicion of rape: https://news.sky.com/story/arsenal-midfielder-thomas-partey-arrested-on-suspicion-of-rape-12486123 [3] BBC News: Thomas Partey charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57941609 [4] The Guardian: Thomas Partey charged with rape and sexual assault: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jul/04/thomas-partey-charged-with-rape-and-sexual-assault-arsenal-midfielder-to-appear-in-court-next-month
- The shocking case of Thomas Partey, a key player for Arsenal Football Club in the Premier League, has made headlines in general-news and crime-and-justice sections, with the player now standing accused of five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
- Despite his successful career in European leagues, most notably his time with Atletico Madrid in Spain and Arsenal in England, Partey's name has also been associated with sports-related controversies, such as his recent arrest and formal charges made public in July 2025.
- While the allegations involve three separate women spanning from 2021 to 2022, the football world remains closely following the development of this story, hoping the legal proceedings will bring clarity and justice, not only for Partey but also for the women involved.
