Ghanaian international and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault during an appearance at Southwark Crown Court in London.
The 32-year-old footballer is accused of raping two women and sexually assaulting a third, with the alleged offences said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022, while he was playing for Arsenal in the English Premier League.
Partey, wearing a dark suit, spoke briefly in court to confirm his name and date of birth before entering his not guilty pleas. The case has drawn considerable attention both in England and abroad, given the midfielder’s prominence on the football stage.
The charges were formally brought against him just four days after his Arsenal contract expired at the end of June. The North London club had announced earlier that his deal would not be renewed.
Following his departure from Arsenal, Partey signed for Spanish side Villarreal in August. He made his Champions League debut for the club on Tuesday, coming off the bench in the 78th minute during a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
Partey’s football career has been closely followed since his big-money transfer from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal in 2020, worth around £45 million ($61 million).
Over four years at the Emirates, he played 167 matches and scored nine goals. Last season alone, he made 52 appearances, finding the net four times. He has also earned more than 50 international caps for Ghana, becoming a central figure in the national team.
Arsenal, for its part, has distanced itself from the proceedings. A club spokesperson said in a brief statement: “The player’s contract ended on June 30. Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the club is unable to comment on the case.”
The hearing marks the start of a legal battle that could have significant implications for Partey’s football career and reputation. While he remains an active player for Villarreal, questions loom over how the case may affect his future on and off the pitch.
The midfielder is widely regarded for his physical presence and tactical awareness, but his legal troubles overshadow his recent sporting performances. Villarreal has so far refrained from commenting publicly on the allegations or the ongoing proceedings, with the club seemingly intent on focusing on football matters for now.
The case highlights once again the growing scrutiny on professional athletes facing allegations of serious misconduct. With Partey’s trial expected to attract continued global coverage, the football community awaits the next developments from the courtroom.
For now, the Ghanaian star maintains his innocence as he prepares to contest the charges in the coming months, while balancing his professional responsibilities in Spain’s La Liga and Europe’s elite competitions.
