Moses Simon has become one of Nigerian football’s most enduring exports, carving out a long and productive career in Europe as a pacy, technically gifted left winger. After years of consistent performances in France with FC Nantes, he made the move across Paris in 2025 to join newly promoted Paris FC. This article looks at his background, career path, current statistics, and answers the questions fans most often ask about him.
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Early Life and Background
Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon was born on July 12, 1995, in Jos, Nigeria. He developed his footballing skills at the GBS Academy in Nigeria, a well-regarded youth setup known for producing talented young players who go on to have careers in Europe. As a teenager, he even had a brief connection with Dutch giants Ajax before beginning his senior career elsewhere. His early development shaped the direct, dribbling-heavy style that would later define him as a winger capable of beating defenders one-on-one.
Rise Through European Football
Slovakia and Belgium: Building a Foundation
Simon’s senior career began in Slovakia with AS Trenčín, where he spent time sharpening his game in a competitive but lower-profile league. He then moved to Belgium to join La Gantoise (Gent), a switch that proved important for his growth. His performances in the Belgian top flight helped raise his profile across Europe and eventually attracted interest from Spanish football.
A Spell in Spain with Levante
Simon joined Levante in Spain, gaining experience in one of Europe’s most technically demanding leagues. While his time in La Liga was relatively brief, it broadened his footballing education and prepared him for the physical and tactical demands of a major European competition.
Becoming a Nantes Icon
In 2019, Simon joined FC Nantes on loan, a move that quickly turned permanent after an impressive debut season. He would go on to become one of the club’s most reliable attacking players for over five years, featuring in close to 180 Ligue 1 matches. During his time in Nantes’ colors, he helped the club lift the French Cup in 2022, one of the standout achievements of his career. In May 2025, he marked his 200th appearance for the club in memorable fashion, scoring in a 3-0 win. His consistency, work rate, and ability to change games from wide areas made him a fan favorite throughout his Nantes years.
The Move to Paris FC
In the summer of 2025, Simon completed a permanent transfer to Paris FC, newly promoted to Ligue 1, in a deal reported to be worth around €7 million. The move reunited him with coach Antoine Kombouaré, with whom he had previously worked at Nantes. Signing a multi-year contract, Simon was brought in to add experience and creativity to a Paris FC side adjusting to life in the top flight.
The 2025-26 Season: A Test of Character
Simon’s first season at Paris FC was not without its challenges. During a difficult early stretch, he went through a run of matches without a goal or an assist, prompting a direct conversation with his manager about improving his end product. Kombouaré later acknowledged that Simon’s application and sharpness had noticeably improved compared to when the coach had first taken charge of the club.
By the second half of the campaign, Simon had become a more consistent contributor, registering goals and assists and playing a regular part in Paris FC’s push to secure their Ligue 1 status. He also dealt with a hamstring issue in April 2026, which forced him to miss a match, though he recovered in time to continue featuring for the team. Paris FC ultimately preserved their top-flight status, finishing in a respectable mid-table position in their first season back among France’s elite clubs.
Career Statistics Overview
Across his career in Slovakia, Belgium, Spain, and France, Simon has built a strong overall record, with well over 400 senior appearances and a healthy tally of goals and assists, largely generated through his pace and dribbling ability from the left flank. At international level, he has represented Nigeria at both youth and senior levels since the mid-2010s, earning dozens of caps and contributing several important goals for the Super Eagles over the years.
International Career with Nigeria
Simon progressed through Nigeria’s youth setup before making his senior international debut in the mid-2010s. Since then, he has remained a key part of the Super Eagles’ attacking options, valued for his ability to create chances and stretch defenses in major tournaments, including Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.
Playing Style
Standing at 1.68 meters, Simon relies on low center of gravity, quick feet, and explosive acceleration rather than physical size. He is best known for his dribbling in tight spaces, his delivery from wide areas, and his ability to cut inside onto his stronger foot to shoot or create chances for teammates.
Managerial Change at Paris FC
Following the 2025-26 season, Paris FC opted not to continue with Kombouaré after contract discussions over terms did not reach an agreement. Reports in mid-2026 indicated the club was in advanced talks with former Chelsea and Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior to take over ahead of the new campaign. Rosenior, who previously praised Simon’s qualities as an attacking threat during his time in French football with Strasbourg, is expected to work closely with the Nigerian winger going into the new season.
Conclusion
Moses Simon’s career reflects steady growth and resilience, from his beginnings in Nigeria, through spells in Slovakia, Belgium, and Spain, to becoming a Nantes favorite and French Cup winner, before taking on a new challenge at Paris FC. His 2025-26 season, marked by early struggles followed by clear improvement, underlines the experience and adaptability that have defined his career. With a new manager reportedly arriving at the club, the coming season could bring another important chapter in his journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Moses Simon? Moses Simon was born on July 12, 1995, making him 30 years old as of 2026.
2. Which club does Moses Simon currently play for? He currently plays for Paris FC in Ligue 1, France’s top football division.
3. How tall is Moses Simon? He stands at 1.68 meters (5 ft 6 in), relying on speed and technique rather than height.
4. What clubs has Moses Simon played for? His senior career includes AS Trenčín, La Gantoise (Gent), Levante, FC Nantes, and Paris FC.
5. Did Moses Simon win any trophies during his career? Yes, he won the French Cup (Coupe de France) with FC Nantes in 2022.
6. Why did Moses Simon leave FC Nantes? After more than five successful years and close to 200 appearances, he completed a permanent transfer to Paris FC in 2025 for a reported fee of around €7 million.
7. Does Moses Simon play for the Nigerian national team? Yes, he has represented Nigeria’s Super Eagles since his senior debut in the mid-2010s and remains an important part of the squad.
8. Who is Paris FC’s new manager linked with Moses Simon? Reports in 2026 linked former Chelsea and Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior with the Paris FC job ahead of the new season.