Ghana international midfielder Thomas Partey is mourning the death of his father, Jacob Teye Partey, who reportedly passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The news has plunged the Partey family into mourning, with reports indicating that the circumstances surrounding Jacob Teye Partey’s death have not been disclosed. Funeral and burial arrangements are also yet to be announced by the family.
Thomas Partey had not publicly commented on the death of his father at the time of the reports, as the family comes to terms with the loss.
Jacob Teye Partey played an important role in his son’s football journey and was among the people who supported Thomas during the early stages of his career.
An old interview involving Thomas Partey has resurfaced following his father’s death, highlighting some of the sacrifices Jacob made to help his son pursue his football ambitions.
In a 2018 interview, Thomas recalled that his father sold personal belongings to help him obtain football boots during the formative stages of his career.
The support reportedly went beyond providing equipment. In a separate account, Jacob Teye Partey was said to have sold land and other properties to help finance his son’s move from Ghana to Spain.
That move eventually opened the door to a professional career in Europe, with Thomas joining Atlético Madrid’s youth setup in 2011.
The midfielder gradually progressed through the Spanish club’s system before establishing himself in the senior team. He later became one of Ghana’s prominent international players and went on to play in the English Premier League for Arsenal.
Thomas Partey currently represents Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.
The death of his father has therefore brought renewed attention to the family support behind the footballer’s rise from Ghana to the international stage.
For many young footballers, the journey to professional football involves significant sacrifices from parents and relatives, particularly when opportunities require travel, equipment and financial support. Jacob’s reported contribution to his son’s career has been highlighted in reports following his passing.
The news has also generated messages of sympathy from members of the Ghanaian football community and supporters, who have expressed condolences to Thomas Partey and the wider family.
Further details about Jacob Teye Partey’s funeral are expected to be announced by the family in due course.
As the Partey family mourns, attention remains on the private loss experienced by the Ghana midfielder and the important role his father played during the early stages of his football journey.
