London, UK – Arsenal’s dominant performance over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg was the talk of European football this week. However, in what has become a viral social media controversy, one glaring omission from UEFA’s Team of the Week has sparked outrage: Ghana’s midfield general, Thomas Partey.
Partey was instrumental in Arsenal’s stunning 3-0 home victory, displaying his trademark composure, intelligence, and physicality in midfield. But as UEFA announced its prestigious weekly team lineup, fans noticed the absence of the Ghanaian lynchpin and took to social media en masse to express their disbelief.
“How can Thomas Partey dominate Real Madrid’s midfield and not make the team? What are they watching?” posted one user on X (formerly Twitter), a sentiment echoed by thousands under the now-trending hashtag #WhereIsPartey.
A Masterclass from the Midfield Engine
In a match that saw Arsenal outclass the 14-time European champions, Thomas Partey completed 91% of his passes, recovered the ball 10 times, won six duels, and made two key interceptions—more than any other midfielder in the match.
According to tactical analysts, Partey’s performance was key to neutralizing Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, with the Ghanaian covering vast stretches of the pitch, intercepting play, and transitioning defense to attack with elegance.
“It was a world-class display,” said Premier League pundit Jamie Carragher. “Partey showed why Arsenal are a completely different team when he’s fit.”
Bangbet Ghana News also reported that sports betting patterns had shifted significantly after the game, with a spike in wagers favoring Arsenal to win the UCL, citing Partey’s return to top form as a critical factor.
UEFA’s Team of the Week Backlash
UEFA’s official Team of the Week featured standout players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Lautaro Martínez—but not Thomas Partey. Instead, the midfield featured Toni Kroos, despite Madrid’s poor showing, and Frenkie de Jong, whose Barcelona side barely scraped a 1-0 win.
The decision has left fans and analysts stunned.
“With all due respect to Kroos, Partey bossed the midfield and helped destroy Madrid. This feels like a snub to African excellence,” tweeted @GH_FootballHub, a popular Ghanaian football fan account with over 250,000 followers.
Thousands of fans—especially in Ghana and the wider African football community—have decried what they see as a pattern of underappreciating African players, even when their performances are objectively dominant.
Ghanaian Media Erupts
Back home in Ghana, sports news outlets wasted no time joining the conversation. MyJoyOnline, Pulse Ghana, GhanaWeb Sports, and others published editorials and fan reaction articles criticizing UEFA’s selection.
A strongly worded op-ed in Ghana Football Daily stated:
“When an African star performs at the highest level against elite opposition and is still overlooked, we must ask: what else must he do?”
Local radio stations and television panels also dedicated significant airtime to dissecting the issue, with many urging the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and CAF (Confederation of African Football) to demand fairness and recognition for African athletes globally.
Partey’s Response: Graceful but Focused
Interestingly, Thomas Partey himself has remained calm amidst the storm. Speaking to journalists during Arsenal’s training session on Thursday, he acknowledged the fan support but remained focused on the bigger picture.
“The most important thing is that the team won,” said Partey. “I always give my best. Recognition will come when it’s meant to.”
This statement further endeared him to fans, many of whom have praised his humility and maturity.
“That’s a true leader,” one Bangbet user commented on a sports betting community thread. “Forget UEFA. Partey’s performance spoke louder than any list.”
Partey’s Stats: Beyond the Hype
Let’s look at the numbers from the Arsenal-Real Madrid UCL clash, courtesy of Bangbet News:
- Pass Completion: 91%
- Tackles Won: 4
- Ball Recoveries: 10
- Ground Duels Won: 6/8
- Interceptions: 2
- Fouls Conceded: 0
- Yellow/Red Cards: 0
These stats aren’t just good—they’re elite. When compared to midfielders who made the UEFA Team of the Week, Partey’s numbers stand tall, if not higher in several categories.
“These stats don’t lie. Partey was a midfield titan,” said Ghanaian analyst Yaw Ampofo-Ankrah on Joy Sports TV.
Fan Reactions Worldwide
From Ghana to the UK, Nigeria to the US, fans from across the globe have weighed in. Social media platforms exploded with creative memes, videos, and comparison threads proving Partey’s dominance in the game.
“Partey had Bellingham in his back pocket. UEFA missed the plot,” wrote UK-based Arsenal supporter @GunnerGaz.
Some fans have also speculated that politics and club favoritism may influence UEFA’s weekly selections.
“UEFA needs transparency in how they pick these teams. It’s not performance-based,” posted one Reddit user in the r/soccer forum.
A Bigger Conversation: African Excellence in Football
This latest episode has reopened conversations around how African footballers are treated on the global stage. Despite the growing influence of players like Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, Sadio Mané, and Thomas Partey, many fans feel African athletes still fight for recognition that their European and South American counterparts receive more easily.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has previously called for “respect and equality” in how African football is represented, especially by global media and football institutions.
“Africa produces world-class talent every year. It’s time the world sees and celebrates that consistently,” Motsepe said in a 2023 FIFA Congress speech.
Bangbet Betting Shift After Partey’s Performance
Following Arsenal’s victory and Partey’s display, Bangbet recorded a notable uptick in bets for Arsenal to win the UEFA Champions League title. According to internal analytics, Arsenal’s odds dropped from 6.5 to 4.2, reflecting increased confidence in the Gunners’ form and Partey’s influence.
In Ghana, betting communities have rallied around Partey, with many placing symbolic bets in his honor. “We believe in Partey. If UEFA won’t crown him, we will,” said one punter from Kumasi.
Bangbet News also featured him in their “Player Spotlight” series, further cementing his status among bettors and analysts alike.
Arsenal’s Path Forward – Partey’s Crucial Role
As Arsenal prepares for the second leg in Madrid, manager Mikel Arteta will undoubtedly be counting on Thomas Partey to repeat his performance. With the tie delicately poised—despite the commanding lead—the Spanish giants are known for their comebacks.
“If Partey plays like that again, Arsenal are through,” said ESPN’s Julien Laurens.
Partey’s health and form will be pivotal—not just for Arsenal’s European dreams, but also for Ghana’s national team, with 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers just around the corner.
Final Thoughts: A Snub That Sparked a Movement
While UEFA may not have included Thomas Partey in their Team of the Week, fans worldwide did. The outrage has elevated the conversation about fair recognition, global football politics, and the enduring excellence of African talent.
And for Partey himself, the path is clear: keep performing, keep winning, and let the world catch up.
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