From Odumase to Madrid: Ten facts about Thomas Partey

He was born in Odumase Krobo (Ghana) on June 13, 1993 and grew up playing in teams from his home town like most Ghanaian children but fast forward, he is now hunting for Spanish and European football honours under the guidance of Diego Simeone.

We know he is Thomas Partey but here are some things you did not know about the Black Stars debutant:

He’s the oldest of eight children in his family and loves spending quality time with his father who loves football

His father runs and trains a team in Odumase Krobo where Thomas started playing until he was nine.

While playing for that team, his father gave him the nickname “Senegal”, because he reminded him of a friend with the same name.

After playing for his father’s team, Thomas developed as a footballer in a neighbourhood side while waiting for new opportunities.

The chance to take a big step up came when Tema Youth, a Ghanaian team from Division Two, spotted him. With them, he experienced a promotion play-off to the Ghanaian top flight.

His performances were noted by the scouts and glowing reports about his abilities swept through the country. Thomas has said an agent registered interested with him in 2011 despite never having seen him play.

His agent quickly saw his potential and decided to take him to Spain, where he was given a trial with the Atletico Madrid youth academy. The Rojiblanco coaching staff did not hesitate to sign him.

In four months, he made the leap from their Under 18s to the Under 19s, and a season later he was already in the ‘Colchoneros’ second team. He was loaned out to RCD Mallorca and Almeria before Diego Simeone gave a run in the first team.

He has just earned his debut call to represent his country ( Black Stars). After playing for RCD Mallorca he trained with Ghana’s under 20s but did not make the squad for the 2013 Under 20 World Cup in Turkey.