Moses Simon: The Journey from GBS Academy to Ligue 1
Moses Simon's rise in professional football is a testament to resilience and raw talent. From the training grounds of Nigeria to the elite stadiums of Europe, Simon has established himself as a dynamic winger capable of changing the course of a match. His career is marked by a steady climb through various European leagues, evolving from a promising youth prospect into a seasoned professional.
Early Career and the Path to Europe
Born in Jos, Nigeria, Simon grew up in a disciplined environment; his father served in the Nigerian Army before retiring. He developed his skills at the GBS Academy, a renowned football academy in Nigeria that also produced stars like Ahmed Musa. His potential quickly attracted attention, leading to links with the Nigerian Premier League side Kaduna United and several high-profile clubs abroad.
In May 2013, Simon signed a pre-contractual agreement with the Dutch giants Ajax. During his pre-season stint, he showed immediate promise, scoring in a 3–0 friendly win against De Graafschap and netting another goal for the reserve team, Jong Ajax, in a 5–0 victory over Voorschoten '97. Despite this early success, Ajax decided not to sign him permanently in July 2013, leading Simon to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Breakthrough at AS Trenčín
Simon's professional breakthrough occurred in Slovakia. On January 13, 2014, he signed a three-year contract with AS Trenčín, a partner club of Ajax owned by former player Tschen La Ling. Joining his compatriot Kingsley Madu, Simon made an immediate impact on the wing.
His international debut during the 2014–15 UEFA Europa League campaign was nothing short of spectacular. In a second preliminary round match against Vojvodina Novi Sad, Simon scored a hat trick in a 4–0 home victory. Although Trenčín was eventually eliminated by Hull City, Simon's performances sparked a bidding war between Heerenveen and Gent, with the latter securing his signature.
Success in Belgium with Gent
On January 6, 2015, Simon joined Gent on a three-year contract. His start in Belgium was a rollercoaster of emotions; while he debuted in a 3–1 win over Royal Mouscron-Péruwelz, his second appearance in the Belgian Cup against Lokeren ended abruptly when he was sent off just 30 seconds after entering the pitch.
He quickly redeemed himself in his third league game, scoring a hat trick against Sporting Lokeren to earn the Belgian league player of the week award. Under coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck, Simon became a pivotal part of the squad, helping Gent secure their first-ever national Championship title in May 2015. He further contributed to the club's success by assisting the winning goal in the 2015 Belgian Super Cup against Club Brugge.
Spanish Venture and the Move to Nantes
In August 2018, Simon moved to Spain, signing a five-year contract with La Liga side Levante. After a year in Spain, he transitioned to French football on August 15, 2019, joining Ligue 1 club Nantes on loan. His impact at Nantes was significant enough that the club triggered their option to buy, resulting in a four-year permanent contract.
Simon's commitment to Nantes was solidified on December 22, 2023, when he extended his contract until 2026. A major milestone arrived on May 17, 2025, when he scored in a 3–0 win against Montpellier, marking his 200th appearance for the club.
New Chapter at Paris FC
On June 25, 2025, Simon embarked on a new challenge by joining the newly promoted Ligue 1 side Paris FC. He signed a three-year contract in a transfer reported to be worth approximately €7 million, bringing his experience and goal-scoring ability to the capital city.
Key Facts
- Youth Development: Product of the GBS Academy in Nigeria.
- European Debut: Started his professional journey in Slovakia with AS Trenčín.
- Major Honors: Won the Belgian national Championship title with Gent in 2015.
- Career Milestone: Reached 200 appearances for FC Nantes in May 2025.
- Recent Transfer: Joined Paris FC in June 2025 for a reported €7 million fee.
| Club | Country | Key Achievement/Note |
|---|---|---|
| AS Trenčín | Slovakia | Europa League debut hat trick |
| Gent | Belgium | First national Championship title (2015) |
| Levante | Spain | La Liga experience |
| Nantes | France | 200 club appearances |
| Paris FC | France | Permanent move for ~€7 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Moses Simon start his football training?
Moses Simon was trained at the GBS Academy in Nigeria, the same institution that produced Ahmed Musa.
Which club did Simon play for before moving to Gent?
Before joining Gent, Simon played for the Slovakian side AS Trenčín, where he signed a three-year contract in January 2014.
What was Simon's biggest achievement with Gent?
Simon helped Gent win their first-ever national Championship title in May 2015 and assisted the winning goal in the 2015 Belgian Super Cup.
How many appearances did Moses Simon make for Nantes?
Moses Simon reached the milestone of 200 appearances for Nantes on May 17, 2025.
When did Moses Simon join Paris FC and for how much?
Simon joined Paris FC on June 25, 2025, signing a three-year contract for a reported transfer fee of approximately €7 million.