Discover Moses Simon’s journey from Jos to European football stardom. Learn about his career highlights, net worth, family, and philanthropic impact in Nigeria.
Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon, born July 12, 1995, 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 blistering pace, technical skills, and creative flair on the wing, Simon has become one of Nigeria’s most consistent and reliable players in European football. His journey from the dusty streets of Jos to the grand stadiums of France represents not just personal triumph, but a testament to perseverance, discipline, and strategic career planning. Beyond his on-field achievements, Simon has distinguished himself through his commitment to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian talent through his football academy—a legacy that extends far beyond goals and assists.
Key Details Of Moses Simon Biography At a Glance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon |
| Date of Birth | July 12, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years old |
| Place of Birth | Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Ethnic Group | Idoma (Benue State) |
| Height | 1.68m (5’6″) |
| Position | Left Winger / Forward |
| Current Club | Paris FC (as of June 2025) |
| National Team | Nigeria Super Eagles |
| Spouse | Ibukun Sarah Adenuga (m. 2015) |
| Children | Three (two daughters, one son) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2-10 million |
| Market Value | €7-12 million |
| Honours | Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) |
Early Life and Family Background
Born in Jos, his father served in the Nigerian Army before his retirement. Growing up in military barracks in Kaduna, Simon’s childhood was shaped by the disciplined environment of army life. The structured routines and early morning schedules instilled in him a work ethic that would prove invaluable in his football career. His father affectionately nicknamed him “Daddy” because he looked older than his age at birth—a moniker that has followed him throughout his career and appears in his full name, Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon.
Though born in Jos and raised in Kaduna, Simon hails from the Idoma ethnic group in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State. His family, which includes brother Thankgod Simon who also pursued football, provided a supportive foundation that allowed young Moses to dream beyond his immediate circumstances. The military family background meant frequent relocations between Jos, Kaduna, and Benue State, fostering resilience and adaptability—qualities that would serve him well in his nomadic football career across multiple countries.
The GBS Academy Years: Where Dreams Took Shape
Simon is a product of the famed GBS Academy, the same football academy in Nigeria that produced the likes of Ahmed Musa. At age eight, Simon joined the Golden Boot Soccer (GBS) Academy in Jos, where he would spend nearly a decade honing his craft. The academy, renowned for producing exceptional Nigerian talent, provided structured training and exposure that local street football could not offer.
During his formative years at GBS, Simon demonstrated the technical ability, speed, and football intelligence that would become his trademarks. His performances at youth tournaments caught the attention of scouts from across Europe, setting the stage for what would become a fascinating career journey through multiple countries and leagues.
European Journey: From Ajax Dreams to Paris FC Reality
The Ajax Opportunity (2013)
On 10 May 2013, it was announced that Simon had signed a pre-contractual agreement with Dutch club Ajax to join them in pre-season training, having previously been linked with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. The 18-year-old impressed during pre-season, scoring on his debut against De Graafschap and again for Jong Ajax. However, work permit issues prevented a permanent deal, and Ajax ultimately released him from their pre-season roster.
Slovakia: The Breakthrough at AS Trenčín (2014-2015)
Rather than viewing the Ajax setback as defeat, Simon joined AS Trenčín in Slovakia in January 2014. Here, he announced himself spectacularly, scoring a hat-trick on his European debut in a 4-0 UEFA Europa League victory. His 13 goals in 33 appearances over 12 months proved he belonged at a higher level.
Belgium: Success with KAA Gent (2015-2018)
In January 2015, Simon moved to Belgian club KAA Gent, where he would experience his first major European success. He was instrumental in Gent’s historic 2014-15 Belgian Pro League title—the club’s first league championship. The team also won the 2015 Belgian Super Cup and qualified for the UEFA Champions League, where Simon competed against Europe’s elite.
Spain: The Levante Challenge (2018-2019)
Simon’s move to La Liga’s Levante in August 2018 represented a step up in competition, but injuries and limited playing time restricted his impact. He managed only one goal in 19 appearances, making it clear that a change of scenery was needed.
France: Finding Home at FC Nantes (2019-2025)
On 15 August 2019, Simon was loaned out to Ligue 1 club Nantes. At the end of the season, Nantes triggered the option to buy in Simon’s loan. This move proved transformative. At Nantes, Simon rediscovered his best form, becoming one of the club’s most important players. On 17 May 2025, he marked his 200th appearance for the club by scoring a goal in a 3-0 win against Montpellier.
During the 2024-25 season, Simon contributed significantly with seven goals and eight assists in 25 league appearances—accounting for nearly half of Nantes’ total goals. His consistency earned him multiple Player of the Month awards and a nomination for the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Award, given to the best African player in Ligue 1.
Paris FC: The Latest Chapter (2025-Present)
On 25 June 2025, Simon completed a permanent move to newly promoted Ligue 1 side Paris FC, signing a three-year contract. The transfer fee was reported at approximately €7 million. This move represents a new challenge as Simon aims to help the newly promoted side establish themselves in France’s top flight.
International Career: Super Eagles Stalwart
Simon received his first call-up to the Nigeria national team by coach Daniel Amokachi in March 2015 and made his debut on the 25th of the same month in an international friendly against Uganda. He scored his first international goal in September 2015 against Niger in a 2-0 victory.
Though injury prevented him from participating in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Simon has been a consistent presence in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. He contributed two assists during Nigeria’s bronze-medal finish at the 2019 AFCON and played a crucial role in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 AFCON final. His performances for the Super Eagles have made him one of the national team’s most dependable wide players, with over 80 caps to his name.
Personal Life: Faith, Family, and Foundations
Simon married his longtime partner, Ibukun Sarah Adenuga, in 2015. Their relationship began during their secondary school years in Jos, making their bond one built on shared history and mutual support. The couple has three children: two daughters and a son born in January 2025. Simon frequently expresses his Christian faith publicly and credits his family’s support as foundational to his success.
The Simoiben Academy: Building a Legacy Beyond Football
The 29-year-old, with his wife, founded the Simoiben Academy—a grassroots football initiative in Kaduna and Abuja aimed at discovering, nurturing and promoting Nigerian football talents. Launched in 2019, the academy addresses a critical gap in Nigeria’s football infrastructure.
Simon revealed that while he funds the project and provides mentorship, the daily operations are managed by his wife: “My wife is the president of the academy, and I am more of a sponsor and mentor to the young boys”. The academy’s mission extends beyond football skills to include education, discipline, and character development.
The academy’s most celebrated success story is Benjamin Fredrick, a defender who progressed through Simoiben’s system before securing a permanent transfer to Brentford FC in the English Premier League and earning his first Super Eagles call-up in 2025. This achievement validates Simon’s vision and demonstrates the academy’s potential to transform young lives.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Moses Simon’s net worth is estimated between $2 million and $10.9 million, with varying figures across sources. His primary income derives from his football salary—approximately €2.4 million annually (€46,154 per week) at his previous club Nantes. His current market value stands at €7-12 million according to transfer market valuations.
Beyond his playing salary, Simon has secured endorsement deals with Nike and has diversified his portfolio through real estate investments and business ventures. His financial prudence and strategic investments suggest a player thinking beyond his playing career, securing long-term stability for his family.
Awards and Recognition
- Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) – National honour from Nigeria
- Belgian Pro League Champion (2014-15 with KAA Gent)
- Belgian Super Cup Winner (2015 with KAA Gent)
- Coupe de France Winner (2021-22 with Nantes)
- Multiple FC Nantes Player of the Month awards (2023, 2024)
- Marc-Vivien Foé Award Nominee (2020, 2022, 2024, 2025)
- CAF Men’s Player of the Year Nominee (2022)
- AFCON Bronze Medal (2019)
Impact and Legacy
What distinguishes Moses Simon from many of his contemporaries is his commitment to giving back. While many footballers establish foundations or make donations, Simon has created a sustainable system for talent development that addresses systemic problems in Nigerian football infrastructure. His academy provides not just training but also education, mentorship, and pathways to professional careers.
Simon’s playing style—characterized by directness, pace, and creativity—has made him a fan favorite wherever he plays. His ability to operate as both a traditional winger and a second striker provides tactical flexibility, while his consistency in producing goals and assists demonstrates elite-level proficiency.
For young Nigerian players, Simon represents a roadmap: the importance of academy training, resilience through setbacks (like the Ajax disappointment), strategic career moves, and maintaining personal values throughout professional success.
Conclusion
Moses Simon’s story transcends the typical narrative of African footballers succeeding in Europe. His journey from Jos to Paris FC demonstrates that success requires not just talent but also resilience, strategic decision-making, and strong support systems. The nickname “Daddy” that his father gave him has proven prophetic—Simon has indeed become a father figure to countless young Nigerian footballers through his academy work.
What makes Simon’s story remarkable isn’t just the goals, assists, or trophies, but his understanding that true legacy extends beyond personal achievement. By investing in Nigeria’s next generation through the Simoiben Academy, he is ensuring that his impact on African football will be felt long after his playing days end. In an era where football success is often measured solely in monetary terms, Moses Simon reminds us that wealth can be measured in opportunities created, lives transformed, and dreams made possible for those who follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Moses Simon?
Moses Simon is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Paris FC in France’s Ligue 1 and the Nigeria national team, known for his speed, dribbling skills, and creative play.
2. What is Moses Simon’s net worth?
Moses Simon’s net worth is estimated between $2-10 million, derived primarily from his football salary, endorsement deals with Nike, and strategic investments in real estate.
3. Is Moses Simon married?
Yes, Moses Simon married Ibukun Sarah Adenuga in 2015. The couple has three children together—two daughters and one son born in January 2025.
4. What are Moses Simon’s biggest achievements?
Simon won the Belgian Pro League with KAA Gent (2014-15), the Coupe de France with Nantes (2021-22), earned over 80 caps for Nigeria, and reached the AFCON final in 2023. He was also nominated for CAF Player of the Year in 2022.
5. What is the Simoiben Academy?
The Simoiben Academy is a grassroots football initiative founded by Moses Simon and his wife in Kaduna and Abuja, Nigeria, aimed at discovering and developing young Nigerian talent. The academy has already produced players like Benjamin Fredrick, who now plays for Brentford FC.
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