Moses Simon

Moses Simon is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward or left winger for Ligue 1 club Paris FC and the Nigeria national team. Known for his explosive pace and direct dribbling, he has spent the bulk of his European career in France, where he helped FC Nantes win the Coupe de France in 2022. As of 2026 he remains a regular in the Super Eagles squad, with more than 40 caps to his name.

Simon's club journey has taken him through Slovakia, Belgium, Spain, and France, with each stop sharpening his attacking game. He is a fan favorite for his willingness to take on defenders and his knack for delivering in big moments, whether in league play or international tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations. [edit]

Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon was born on July 12, 1995, in Jos, the capital of Plateau State in central Nigeria. Growing up in a football-loving family, he played street football with older boys, which honed his close control and low center of gravity. His talent was spotted early by local scouts, and he joined the youth setup at GBS Academy in Jos before moving to the famed Aspire Academy in Senegal for further development.

At Aspire, Simon caught the eye of European recruiters, and in 2014 he signed with Slovak club AS Trenčín. His first season in Europe was a steep learning curve, but his raw speed and dribbling quickly made him a standout in the Slovak Super Liga. He scored 8 goals and added 7 assists in his debut campaign, helping Trenčín win the league title and the Slovak Cup in 2015.

That domestic double put Simon on the radar of bigger clubs across the continent, setting the stage for his move to Belgium's KAA Gent later that year. [edit]

Simon's breakthrough came at KAA Gent, where he joined in 2015. He played a key role in the club's run to the Belgian Pro League title in his first full season, contributing 7 goals and 6 assists. His performances in the Champions League group stage, including a memorable goal against Lyon, made him one of the most exciting young wingers in Europe.

In 2018, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed interest in signing him, but Gent's asking price proved too high, a decision Simon later admitted he regretted. Instead, he moved to Levante in La Liga in 2019, where he spent one season, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists in 33 appearances.

In 2020, Simon joined FC Nantes in Ligue 1. Over six seasons, he became the club's creative heartbeat, registering 28 goals and 33 assists in all competitions. The highlight came in 2022 when he scored in the Coupe de France final as Nantes beat Nice 1-0 to lift the trophy. In July 2025, he made the move to Paris FC, where he continues to play in Ligue 1.

Internationally, Simon has been a staple for Nigeria since his debut in 2015. He was part of the squad that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and has featured in multiple AFCON tournaments, providing crucial goals and assists. As of May 2026, he has played in eight of Nigeria's ten matches in 2026, starting five. [edit]

Simon is celebrated for his humility and work ethic, traits that have endeared him to fans at every club he has played for. He is known for his trademark step-over and explosive acceleration, which make him a nightmare for defenders. On social media, he comes across as approachable and funny, often sharing clips of his dance moves with teammates.

Nigerian fans affectionately call him "Smiling Moses" because of his ever-present grin during matches. He has built a strong following on Instagram, where he posts behind-the-scenes moments and motivational messages. Simon's commitment to giving back through his foundation has also shaped his public image as a player who cares about his community. [edit]

Moses Simon stands as the 95th most famous person from Nigeria, a ranking that has held steady through recent cycles within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings. This position reflects his sustained visibility across European leagues and the Nigerian national team, where his explosive pace and direct dribbling have become signature traits for millions of viewers. While he commands attention on the pitch with trademark step-overs and acceleration that leave defenders grasping at air, his off-field persona adds depth to his public profile. Fans affectionately dub him "Smiling Moses" for his ever-present grin, yet there is no formal name attached to his supporter base. His Instagram presence offers glimpses into a fun-loving personality who shares dance moves and promotes youth tournaments, but these interactions remain personal rather than organized campaigns. The narrative surrounding him includes high-profile moments like his regret over a failed Liverpool transfer in 2026, a story that sparked debate about career decisions. Controversies regarding discrimination claims against Rangers International also surfaced, creating a complex chapter in his biography. Despite these disputes, his legacy remains anchored in athletic achievement, including helping FC Nantes secure the Coupe de France. The rankings track global attention across media coverage, search trends, and consumption signals worldwide, placing him firmly among the continent's most recognized athletes.[edit]

Simon carries the nickname "Small Lion" among teammates, a title earned despite his compact 5-foot-6 frame due to his fierce playing style. A devout Christian, he celebrates goals by pointing skyward, while his pre-match ritual involves listening to Burna Boy to enter the zone. An avid chess player since his days in Belgium, he once scored a viral goal from the halfway line during a training session. He holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian to win the Coupe de France with Nantes since 2001. Recent years have added layers to his story, including a widely discussed admission of regret over a collapsed £10 million move to Liverpool in July 2026. In another notable incident, Simon alleged ethnic bias against Rangers International, prompting a strong rebuttal from the club which denied being a tribal organization. These events highlight a career marked by both triumph and controversy, though no mass fan hysteria or street-shutting folklore has emerged to define his legacy beyond these verified professional milestones.[edit]

Simon keeps his family life largely private, but he has spoken about the influence of his parents, who encouraged him to pursue football while insisting he complete his education. His father, a retired civil servant, and his mother, a trader, still live in Jos. He has two younger sisters, one of whom is studying medicine in Abuja.

Simon is married to his longtime girlfriend, Blessing, and they have two young children. The family resides in Paris, where Simon plays for Paris FC. He has said that being a father has given him a new perspective on life and football. The family often spends holidays in Nigeria, and Simon has built a house for his parents in Jos as a token of gratitude. [edit]

Simon has shared the pitch with several notable players at both club and international level. At Nantes, he formed a strong attacking partnership with Ludovic Blas. For Nigeria, he has played alongside Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen, and Samuel Chukwueze, among others. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed interest in signing him in 2018, a move that ultimately did not materialize. [edit]

Moses Simon is married to Blessing, his longtime girlfriend. The couple has two children together. They keep their relationship largely out of the public eye, but Simon has occasionally shared photos with his wife on social media, showing their close bond. He has spoken about how family support has been crucial to his career. As of 2026, they remain married and live in Paris. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Moses Simon's net worth at $25 Million as of 2026. His primary income streams flow from football contracts, with his current agreement at Paris FC reportedly valued at €2.5 million annually. Endorsement deals with sportswear brands and appearances in Nigerian commercials further bolster his earnings. Transfer fees have also contributed significantly to his wealth, notably his move from Gent to Levante for €5 million and his subsequent transfer to Nantes for around €4 million. Beyond the pitch, Simon has invested in real estate holdings in both France and Nigeria, owning properties in Paris and Jos. He runs the Moses Simon Foundation, which organizes youth tournaments, operating this initiative primarily as a philanthropic venture rather than a profit center.[edit]

Simon has won two major domestic trophies: the Slovak Super Liga and Slovak Cup with AS Trenčín in 2015, and the Belgian Pro League with KAA Gent in 2016. His most significant honor came in 2022 when he lifted the Coupe de France with FC Nantes, scoring in the final. He has also been named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Week on multiple occasions. [edit]