Exploring Ghanaian player Thomas Partey’s personal journey to Islam

• He is a Ghanaian professional footballer
• He changed his name to Yakubu after converting to Islam
• He is working on returning to his team Arsenal after an injury-extended absence

Thomas Partey is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Arsenal and has been the latest footballer to convert to Islam, changing his name to Yakubu. He is currently recovering from an injury and is expected to get back in March.

His religion change could be a result of a woman he loves and he said in an interview that his sidekicks will be disappointed because of the move, being in love with the lady who made him convert his religion.

However, for him, it was not a big deal as he grew up with Muslims and the conversion felt natural in the context of his relationship. The 30-year-old is in love with his Moroccan partner Sara Bella.

Thomas Partey Biography

Thomas Teye Partey was born in Krobo, Odumase, Ghana on June 13 1993 to parents of the country’s origin. He grew up in a humble background with eight siblings. His passion for football was evident at a young age, playing for local teams like Krobo Youth and Revelation FC.

Thomas Partey. Photo/Just Arsenal

While playing for the local clubs, he caught the attention of Spanish scouts from Atletico Madrid and he signed a contract with them at the age of 18 years.

He was however sent on loan to gain experience, playing for RCD Mallorca and UD Almeria in the Spanish second division, where he impressed with good tackling and passing skills.

The party returned to Atletico Madrid in 2015, integrating into the first team and making his senior debut. During this time, he established himself as a crucial player, winning the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.

Thomas has represented Ghana in several major tournaments participated in the AFCON three times, and was selected to play for Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar.

Thomas Partey’s personal life

While he has maintained a low profile about his personal life, there is little known about him. He is currently in a relationship with British model Janine Mackson and they have a baby girl together. 

Before then, he was briefly married to Moroccan radiologist and model Sara Bella though the union ended shortly after due to legal disputes. Partey converted to Islam due to his relationship with Sara Bella, and adopted the name Yakubu but later reverted it to his initial “Thomas”.

Thomas Partey’s Career Journey and Injury

His career journey began with local teams where he was spotted by Atletico Madrid scouts, and he joined their youth team. To develop his skills, he was sent on loan spells at RCD Mallorca and UD Almeria in the Spanish second division. He then returned to Atletico and made his senior debut for the club.

Thomas Partey. Photo/Sky Sports

During his tenure with the club, he won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup, also played in the Champion League final and established himself as a top defender in the La Liga.

Internationally, Thomas has represented Ghana in several major tournaments participated in the AFCON three times, and was selected to play for Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar.

He was excluded from the Ghana final squad list that was playing at the AFCON in Ivory Coast due to a long-standing thigh injury.

He has been a key player for Arsenal since 2020 and is in a recovery process from a thigh injury that saw him through surgery though he is expected to return soon.

Party’s conversion to Islam

At the time of conversion, he was in love with a Moroccan lady and to pursue her into marriage, he had to change his religion to suit hers. So, he took the bold step and even acquired a new name, Yakubu.

Their marriage did not work as they fell apart shortly after due to legal disputes. He then reverted to his initial name “Thomas”. This move was out of confidence to him, he faced it like normal because he grew up with Muslim neighbours.