The Ghana Black Stars’ captain and Arsenal Football Club midfield sensation, Thomas Teye Partey, has been crowned the Footballer of the Year at the 2025 Ghana Football Awards held in Accra over the weekend.
The midfield general etched his name into the history books of Ghana, grabbing the coveted honour for a record third time.
Thomas Partey first clinched the top prize in 2018 and 2019, before completing his awards hat-trick in front of a star-studded audience last Saturday night.
He beat competition from a colleague in the English Premier League (EPL), Antoine Semenyo, and Spanish La Liga African Player of the Year, Inaki Williams, to clinch Ghana’s most prestigious individual football honour.
Partey’s consistent performances for both club and country over the past year made him a deserving recipient. He had a stellar season at the club level that saw him play a key role in Arsenal’s journey to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and their second-place finish in the English Premier League.
He also stood tall in the national colours, delivering commanding performances for the Black Stars in their ongoing crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams was in impressive form in the Spanish La Liga, making him a serious contender for the honour; and many football enthusiasts believed it was his to take, but it was Partey’s leadership, consistency and impact across club and country that ultimately won him the votes.
He didn’t walk away with just one award; Partey also received the Football for Good Award in recognition of his philanthropic contributions off the pitch. He shared this award with Brighton defender Tariq Lamptey, who has also been actively involved in social projects benefitting the Ghanaian community.
The 31-year-old, in an emotional address to the audience at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), said: “It’s been three times on a roll. I appreciate that. And thank you to everyone who voted for me. I know it’s not easy. I have a lot of mates who deserve it. I’m not the only one; but as you know, I have the support of my family.
“I take this with as much importance as any award I would receive in my career. I appreciate it and I love it.”
In other notable categories, Razak Simpson of Nations FC claimed two awards as ‘Home-based Footballer of the Year’ and ‘Goal of the Year,’ the latter for his long-range strike against Hearts of Oak.
Stephen Amankona of Berekum Chelsea was crowned Ghana Premier League (GPL) Goal King, while Mary Amponsah emerged as the Women’s Premier League Goal Queen.
Doris Boaduwaa took home the Female Footballer of the Year award after a strong campaign both domestically and internationally.
Bibiani Gold Stars, who recently clinched the league title for the first time, were named the Men’s Team of the Year. The club’s remarkable rise since their top-flight promotion in 2021 was duly recognised.
Police Ladies’ Mary Berko was named Home-based Female Footballer of the Year, while their Head Coach Abu Kassim was awarded Women’s Coach of the Year.
In the Men’s Coaching category, Sudan national team coach, Kwesi Appiah, picked up the Men’s Coach of the Year award following his impressive work in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
John Peter Amewu, CEO of Hohoe United, won the CEO of the Year award; and Medeama SC were honoured as the Most Vibrant Club on social media.
Hakimi of PSG was named Best African International following his treble-winning campaign with the French club.
A ‘Special Fan Award’ was given posthumously to Francis Yaw Frimpong, popularly known as Pooley, a dedicated supporter of Asante Kotoko, who died out of sport hooliganism during match week 19 of the just-ended league.
