Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey continues to make waves both at home and abroad, as recent developments highlight his enduring influence on and off the pitch. With the 2025 football season in full swing, Partey’s name is once again at the center of headlines—this time not just for his performances, but for the recognition and legacy he’s leaving behind.
On October 24, 2025, Dr. UN, a figure known for his unconventional awards in Ghana, announced his intention to honor hardworking Ghanaians from a variety of fields before the year’s end. In a video circulating widely on social media, Dr. UN emphasized his commitment to celebrating excellence, undeterred by past controversies. Among those singled out for special recognition were Black Star players Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus. Dr. UN’s upcoming awards ceremony promises to be especially notable, as he revealed that some honorees could walk away with a substantial prize—up to 500,000 Ghana Cedis. “I will be awarding some well-deserving Ghanaians before the year ends,” Dr. UN declared, making it clear that Partey’s contributions have not gone unnoticed in his home country.
Partey’s journey to such acclaim has been anything but straightforward. His tenure at Arsenal, one of England’s most storied football clubs, has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations. Ask any Arsenal supporter about the standout moments of Partey’s career, and they’ll likely point to his performances in the 2024-25 season. After years hampered by injuries—often sidelined just when Arsenal needed him most—Partey finally found his stride. Free from the shackles of fitness concerns, he transformed into a pivotal figure at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield, delivering a series of commanding displays that helped define the club’s campaign.
As the 2025-26 season approached, however, Arsenal faced a seismic shift. Partey’s departure left a gaping hole in the squad, sparking widespread debate among fans and pundits alike. Could anyone truly fill the void left by such a dynamic presence? For many, the answer seemed an emphatic no. Yet, football is a game of constant evolution, and Arsenal’s response to Partey’s exit was swift and decisive.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, set his sights on Martin Zubimendi, a standout midfielder from Real Sociedad. The club secured Zubimendi’s signature for a reported £55 million—a hefty investment, but one that would soon pay dividends. Despite initial skepticism about whether the Spaniard could adapt to the rigors of Premier League football, Zubimendi wasted little time proving his worth. By October 2025, he had not only slotted seamlessly into Arsenal’s starting eleven but emerged as the engine of the team’s midfield.
Zubimendi’s impact has been the subject of lively discussion on platforms such as The Athletic’s Handbrake Off podcast. Ian Stone remarked, “People aren’t quite appreciating Zubimendi, I don’t think.” Amy Lawrence responded with high praise: “He’s much more than a knitter-togetherer. Oh my goodness, he is a spectacular footballer. His quickness of brain is a class apart. He’s constantly reading the game, adjusting his position, and making the right little move. It’s absolutely first class.” Such accolades underline just how quickly Zubimendi has made himself indispensable to the Arsenal cause.
Arteta himself has been effusive in his praise for his midfielders. On October 24, 2025, he highlighted the evolution of both Declan Rice and Zubimendi. Rice, who arrived from West Ham with a reputation as a defensive stalwart, has blossomed into a versatile, box-to-box midfielder. His ability to contribute in the final third, coupled with his set-piece prowess, has added a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack. Arteta noted, “Declan is becoming a total player. A total player has to be able to do as many things as possible and he has the capacity to do that. So that's to evolve a player, to start to bring something else to the team, and especially when you talk about scoring goals, expecting the opposition goal, even better. He's been instrumental in our improvement in that part of the game.”
Turning to Zubimendi, Arteta described the Spaniard’s composure and intelligence as “remarkable.” He elaborated, “Every player is different. We have some terrific midfielders here. Martin brings certain hierarchy, certain composure that it's very difficult to understand, and then the way he perceives information and learns from the game and what is actually happening in the game at that speed is remarkable. I think about him it was about unlocking certain spaces and his capacity to look further and hold the position when his teammates are further from the ball than himself. If he can add goals, even better. There is a lot more to come, and the more he understands his teammates, the timing of that and those relationships build, I think we'll see another level of skill in him.”
With Zubimendi orchestrating play and Rice given the freedom to roam, Arsenal’s midfield has taken on a new identity—one that is both dynamic and resilient. The transition from Partey’s era to the current setup has been smoother than many anticipated, a testament to the club’s recruitment strategy and Arteta’s vision. Yet, for all the talk of new signings and tactical evolution, Partey’s legacy remains deeply felt. His final season at Arsenal set a standard for commitment and excellence, and his influence continues to resonate, not only in North London but back home in Ghana.
As the year draws to a close, anticipation builds for Dr. UN’s awards ceremony. The prospect of Partey and Kudus receiving national recognition—and a substantial cash prize—has sparked excitement among fans and observers. It’s a fitting tribute to players who have carried the hopes of a nation and delivered on the grandest stages. For Partey, the accolades are well deserved, capping a year that has seen him transition from club hero to national icon.
While Arsenal’s midfield continues to evolve, and new stars rise to prominence, the story of Thomas Partey serves as a reminder of football’s enduring capacity to inspire and unite. Whether on the field in London or celebrated at home in Ghana, his journey captures the imagination—and the respect—of all who follow the beautiful game.
