In a surprising yet selfless decision, Thomas Partey has declined the role of deputy captain for Ghana’s Black Stars, choosing instead to focus on his contributions as a key player.

According to reports, the Arsenal midfielder informed head coach Otto Addo and the Ghana Football Association (GFA) of his stance, signaling his commitment to serving the team without an official leadership title.

Partey, who previously served as deputy to Andre Ayew, appears to be prioritizing his performance on the field over the additional responsibilities of a leadership role. His decision highlights a desire to stay fully focused on helping Ghana secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With Partey stepping away from the role, Fenerbahçe defender Alexander Djiku is rumored to be next in line for the deputy captaincy. Djiku has been a rock in Ghana’s defense, and a leadership role could further solidify his influence in the squad.

Despite stepping down from the deputy captaincy, Partey remains a crucial figure for the Black Stars. As Ghana prepares to face Chad at home on March 17 before traveling to Morocco to take on Madagascar, his presence will be vital in the remaining qualifiers.