From Nigerian academy prospect to a veteran of European football's top flight leagues
In short: Born in Jos, Moses Simon has navigated a complex path through European football, from an early trial at Ajax to becoming a fixture in Ligue 1. His career highlights the volatile nature of professional scouting, international duty, and the persistent drive required to reach two hundred appearances for a single club.
Moses Simon’s journey into professional football began at the GBS Academy in Nigeria, a nursery for talent that also produced Ahmed Musa. His early promise attracted significant attention from major European clubs, including Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. In May 2013, he signed a pre-contractual agreement with Ajax, even scoring in a pre-season friendly. However, the Dutch club ultimately decided against signing him, leading him to Slovakia’s AS Trenčín. There, he quickly made his mark, notably scoring a hat trick during his debut in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers.
The winger’s career gained significant momentum after he moved to the Belgian club Gent in January 2015. Under coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck, Simon became a vital component of the squad, contributing to the club’s first-ever national championship title that same year. His performance in Belgium earned him recognition, including a player of the week honor, and set the stage for subsequent moves to Levante in Spain and Nantes in France. His tenure at Nantes proved particularly enduring, culminating in his 200th appearance for the club in May 2025.
Beyond his club success, Simon has been a consistent presence for the Nigeria national team since his debut in March 2015. Despite missing the 2018 World Cup due to injury, he has represented his country in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, earning podium finishes in 2019, 2023, and 2025. By September 2026, he reached the milestone of 100 international caps. Most recently, in June 2025, Simon transitioned to Paris FC on a three-year contract, with the transfer fee reported at approximately €7 million, marking the latest chapter in a career defined by resilience and tactical adaptability across diverse European leagues.
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