Thomas Partey: High-profile footballers accused of rape
Recent rape charges against former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey have once again spotlighted the intersection of sports, fame, and legal accountability. Partey, charged with multiple counts of rape and sexual assault by the UK Crown Prosecution Service, joins a list of high-profile footballers who faced serious allegations. This article explores Partey’s accusations and reviews similar cases, highlighting legal outcomes and broader implications for the sport.
1. Thomas Partey: Multiple Rape Charges
In July 2025, the Metropolitan Police confirmed that Thomas Partey faces five counts of rape, two alleged victims for one woman, three for another, and one count of sexual assault involving a third. The alleged incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022. The 32-year-old is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5, 2025. Authorities emphasize he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
2. Dani Alves: Spain Rape Trial of Former Star
Ex-Barcelona and Brazil winger Dani Alves went to trial in early 2024 over alleged rape in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022. The prosecution’s case included video and witness testimony. Alves denied the allegations, claiming consent. The trial stirred national debate about accountability for elite athletes.
3. Robinho: Convicted of Gang Rape in Italy
Former AC Milan and Manchester City striker Robinho was convicted in 2017 by an Italian court for leading a gang-rape of a woman in Milan in 2013. He was sentenced to nine years. Brazilian courts upheld the verdict in 2022, but he remains unextradited due to Brazilian law.
4. Benjamin Mendy: Charges and Acquittal in England
Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy faced multiple rape charges in 2021–2022, involving several women. He was remanded, released, and subsequently went to trial at Chester Crown Court. In early 2023, he was acquitted of all charges.
5. Mason Greenwood: Sexual Assault Allegations Dropped
Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood was arrested in January 2023 over rape and assault allegations. Though the Crown Prosecution Service dropped charges later in the year, United terminated his contract. Greenwood has since attempted to rebuild his career abroad.
6. Adam Johnson and Ched Evans: UK Cases with Convictions
Former England winger Adam Johnson was convicted in 2016 of sexual activity with a minor and served three years. Welsh striker Ched Evans was convicted in 2012 of rape, served half his sentence, and later had an appeal overturn part of the conviction. The case sparked debate over rehabilitation, forgiveness, and player reinstatement.
7. Cristiano Ronaldo: Historical Allegations Resurface
In 2009, a woman accused Ronaldo of rape, which he denied. The case ended in a private settlement, and no legal proceedings took place. The allegations resurfaced in 2018, but no criminal action was pursued.
8. Implications for Football’s Reputation
These cases have thrust football’s handling of sexual misconduct into public scrutiny. Clubs face balancing legal principles with reputational risk. Arsenal’s decision not to renew Partey’s contract underscores how allegations, even unresolved, can influence professional trajectories.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey charged with rape: What you need to know
9. Legal Processes and Public Response
Most allegations begin with police investigation, prompting arrests, followed by CPS decisions to charge. Legal proceedings occur in courts, with defendants generally granted bail. The decisions to suspend or rehire players after accusations depend heavily on trial outcomes and internal club policies. Public reactions often split between presumption of innocence and support for accusers.
10. Calls for Reform and Athlete Accountability
These high-profile cases have triggered calls for stronger safeguarding policies in football. Media advocates and activists demand measures like mandatory education, independent oversight, and transparent ethics committees. As awareness grows, fans and sponsors increasingly expect clubs to adopt rigorous conduct standards.
From Thomas Partey’s ongoing court case to past convictions and acquittals, football’s legal reckoning continues. These allegations throw into sharp relief questions about fame, legal fairness, and institutional responsibility. As proceedings unfold and new cases emerge, the sport faces a critical opportunity to reinforce safeguarding and uphold both justice and integrity on and off the pitch.
