Moses Simon Biography, Age, Career, Tribe, Wife, Children, Salary, and Net Worth

Moses Daddy‑Ajala Simon, popularly known as Moses Simon, is a dynamic Super Eagles winger who plays for French Ligue 1 side Paris FC. He was born on the 12th of July 1995 in Jos, Plateau State.

The Nigerian forward is known for his excellent dribbling ability, electrifying pace, and ability to deliver pinpoint crosses. Simon has played for several clubs in Belgium, Slovakia, Spain, and France.

In this article, we will look at Moses Simon’s story, his early background, career history, net worth, and more details about his personal life.

Who is Moses Simon? (Quick Facts)

Early Life & Biography

Moses Simon was born on July 12, 1995, in the city of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, a place known for producing top stars like Panam Percy Paul, Jeremiah Gyang, M.I Abaga, Ice Prince Zamani, 2Baba, Ruby Gyang, Psquare, Jesse Jagz, John Obi Mikel, Ahmed Musa, and others.

He spent his formative years between Jos, his place of birth, Kaduna, and his native Benue State. Coming from a military family, his father served in the Nigerian Army before he retired. Having a father serving in the military helped him learn discipline and resilience from an early age.

Growing up, Simon developed a love for football like many young kids in the vicinity and got involved in local street tournaments and school competitions. His explosive speed, trickery on the ball, and dribbling caught the attention of people.

Determined to make it in the game of football, Moses Simon joined the famous GBS Academy in Jos, which produced talents like Ahmed Musa. For ten years, from 2003 to 2013, Simon was groomed at this academy. He honed his football skills, and his performances on the pitch improved. It wasn’t long before European scouts took notice of him, and shortly afterward, international doors opened for him.

Career Journey

AS Trenčín (2013–2015)

Moses Simon’s European career could have begun with a dream move to Ajax in 2014. He even scored in pre-season friendlies, but surprisingly, the Dutch giants decided against offering him a contract. Rather than being discouraged, Simon used this setback as motivation.

His first taste of European football arrived in 2014 with Slovakian side AS Trenčín coming for him at just 18. He announced himself on Slovakian soil with a hat-trick on his debut. Despite his young age and background, Simon quickly adapted to European football despite the language barrier, cultural shock, and other differences. Slovakia.

His performances there made it clear that he was a special lad with potential. His quick feet, creativity, pace, dribbling, and ability to beat defenders in one‑on‑one situations made him a fan favorite almost immediately.

He scored 13 goals in 33 league appearances in two seasons, helping the club challenge for top positions, and boosting his reputation in European football.

KAA Gent (2015–2018)

Moses Simon secured a move to the then reigning champions of the Belgian Pro League, KAA Gent, in January 2015. According to reports, the transfer was reportedly worth around €800,000.

Playing in KAA Gent’s colors allowed him to play in the UEFA Champions League, the biggest club football tournament in Europe. This tournament gave him a lot of exposure and made him face football giants like Zenit Saint Petersburg and Lyon.

He scored a hat-trick in his third league game for Gent, helping them win their first-ever Belgian league title. Moses Simon contributed 16 goals and several assists in all competitions during his time at Gent and helped his side qualify for European tournaments. He was one of the club’s key attacking players during his time there and made several contributions, like assisting the winning goal in the 2015 Belgian Super Cup.

Levante UD (2018–2020)

In August 2018, another opportunity came for Simon. He swapped Gent for Levante UD, putting pen to paper to win a five-year deal with the La Liga side. His time in Spain was mixed and wasn’t as memorable as his time in Belgium or France, as he was mainly used as an impact substitute and occasionally graced the starting lineup.

His time in Spain was a challenging period for him as he scored just one goal in 19 appearances. However, he gained invaluable experience by facing some of the world’s biggest clubs, including matches against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Real Madrid.

Despite the limited minutes given to him, he showed flashes of brilliance, especially on counterattacks, and reminded his doubters why he was so highly rated.

FC Nantes (2020–2025)

Spectacularly, Moses Simon’s career revived after ditching Levante UD for FC Nantes. Initially, he joined the club on loan in 2019, and in the following year, the move was made permanent for around €5 million.

At Nantes, he rediscovered his top form and became a fan favorite. He scored crucial goals for the club, especially in the league and domestic competitions. He also became one of the best dribblers in the French Ligue 1.

In 2022, Simon helped his side win the Coupe de France title, which was Nantes’ first major trophy in over two decades. By mid-2025, he had already made over 200 appearances for his side, contributing 32 goals and 42 assists, becoming a key member of the team.

Paris FC (2025 to Present)

In June 2025, Simon began a new chapter, joining newly promoted Ligue 1 side Paris FC on a three-year contract for a reported €7 million.

International Career

In March 2025, Moses Simon was called by coach Daniel Amokachi and made his debut for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in an AFCON qualifier against Uganda. Since that game, he has been a key player for the team.

He scored his first goal in September 2015 against fellow African side Niger. He featured at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria secured a third-place finish at the 2021 AFCON, where he scored a solo goal against Sudan.

The biggest disappointment came in 2018 when injury ruled him out of the World Cup in Russia. However, he bounced back strongly to become a regular fixture in the Super Eagles setup, earning over 70 caps and establishing himself as a dependable option on the wing.

Simon has made vital contributions to the Nigerian football team in goals and assists in different tournaments. By 2025, he had earned over 80 caps for the Super Eagles, despite playing under several coaches.

Moses Simon is praised for his uncommon strength and versatility, as he can comfortably play on the left or right wing and can drop deeper if needed. His consistent performances have drawn comparisons to Nigerian legend Finidi George, though Simon has made a name for himself in the hearts of Nigerian football fans.

Achievements

Moses Simon has made an indelible impact at both club and international levels and has built an impressive list of honors. Here are some of his key achievements:

• Belgian Pro League: 2014–15.
• Belgian Pro League runner-up.
• Belgian Super Cup: 2015.
• Coupe de France Winner (2022).
• Africa Cup of Nations runner-up: 2023.
• Unity Cup: 2025.
• Member of the Order of the Niger.

Lifestyle & Private Life

Off the pitch, Simon is a devoted family man. He married his secondary school sweetheart, Ibukun Sarah Adenuga, in 2015. The couple has three children—two daughters and a son born in January 2025.

A devout Christian, Simon is often seen spending quality time with his family and values his faith deeply. Despite his success, he maintains the humility instilled in him during his early days in Jos.

Given his decent net worth, Moses Simon owns luxury cars, which is typical for a professional footballer, but he’s not known for showing off a flashy lifestyle or extravagant spending. Instead, he invests in his community back home by funding educational projects, sponsoring young children, giving to the needy and less privileged, and supporting grassroots football.

Controversies

Moses Simon’s career has been relatively free of major controversies, but we have witnessed some minor issues. In 2020, there were rumors and speculations on social media about tensions with Levante’s coaching crew, which contributed to a loan move away from the club.

Also, some Nigerian fans have often criticized him for inconsistent displays on the pitch, but this is common for high-profile players, as Nicolas Jackson, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze have been criticized by fans.

Net Worth & Salary (2025)

Moses Simon’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $7 to $8 million, which is approximately ₦5.7 billion to ₦6.5 billion. His contract at Paris FC will see him earn a €300,000 monthly salary, which is around ₦532 million in his local Nigerian currency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which club does Moses Simon play for now?

He currently plays for Paris FC in the French Ligue 1, having joined them in June 2025.

2. Is Moses Simon from Benue State?

Yes, he is from Benue State in North-Central Nigeria and is of the Idoma tribe.

3. Why is he called “Daddy Ajala”?

“Daddy Ajala” is part of his full name, Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon, and has become his popular nickname.

4. How much does Moses Simon earn?

At his previous club, Nantes, he earned around €30,000 per week (approximately €1.68 million annually). Moses Simon earns an estimated €300,000 per month at Paris FC, which is about €3.6 million per year.

5. How many children does he have?

He has three children with his wife, Ibukun, two daughters, and a son.