Moses Simon Biography: Wife, Age, Salary, Children, Net Worth

Moses Simon biography: Nigerian Super Eagles star’s complete profile including wife Ibukun Sarah, age, salary at Paris FC, three children, career stats, and estimated net worth details.

Who is Moses Simon?

Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon represents one of Nigeria’s most consistent football exports to Europe, currently featuring for Ligue 1 club Paris FC and the Nigerian national team. Born on July 12, 1995, in Jos, Plateau State, this dynamic left winger has built a reputation for blistering pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and creative playmaking abilities that have made him indispensable to both club and country.

At 29 years old (as of 2025), Moses has accumulated over 80 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring more than 10 international goals while providing countless assists. His club career trajectory took him from humble beginnings at GBS Academy in Jos through European leagues in Slovakia, Belgium, Spain, and France, where he has established himself as a reliable attacking threat.

Beyond football, Moses embodies family values and social responsibility. Married since 2015 to his secondary school sweetheart Ibukun Sarah Adenuga, he recently welcomed his first son in January 2025, adding to their two daughters. Together with his wife, Moses founded the Simoiben Academy, a grassroots initiative discovering and nurturing young Nigerian football talents in Kaduna and Abuja.

His journey from Jos to European football exemplifies perseverance and dedication, having overcome early setbacks including Ajax’s decision not to sign him despite impressive pre-season performances. Today, Moses stands as a senior figure at Paris FC and a dependable presence in Nigeria’s attacking lineup.

Quick Facts About Moses Simon

Early Life and Family Background

Moses Daddy-Ajala Simon entered the world on July 12, 1995, at a General Hospital in Benin City, Edo State, though he was raised primarily in Jos and Kaduna. His father, a respected figure who served in the Nigerian Army before retirement, gave him the distinctive nickname “Daddy” because infant Moses appeared older than his actual age—a name that stuck and became part of his official nomenclature.

Growing up in a military family provided Moses with discipline and structure from an early age. His father’s postings meant the family moved between Benue, Kaduna, and Jos, exposing young Moses to different Nigerian cultures and communities. This peripatetic childhood helped shape his adaptable personality and resilient character.

Moses comes from a large polygamous family typical of many Northern Nigerian households. He has multiple siblings including brothers and sisters from different mothers, with his brother Thankgod Simon also pursuing football professionally with FC Ebedei. Among his siblings, Moses particularly cherished a look-alike older sister who tragically passed away in 2016.

His parents, now in their 60s and 70s, come from middle-class backgrounds. While his father’s military career provided stability, Moses’s mother’s details remain less publicized, though she descends from the Idoma ethnic group of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State.

From age eight, Moses displayed extraordinary energy and an insatiable appetite for kicking anything spherical. His family initially viewed this as childish exuberance, unaware he was laying foundations for his destiny. His childhood in Kaduna’s Ribadu Cantonment with best friend Innocent Bonke (now also a professional footballer in Europe) remains an inspiration to aspiring Nigerian footballers.

Education and Football Academy Training

Moses attended primary and secondary schools in Jos, where he crossed paths with future Super Eagles teammate Mikel Obi. His parents emphasized balancing academics with football, ensuring he completed his Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) despite his sporting ambitions.

At eight years old, Moses joined the renowned Golden Boot Soccer (GBS) Academy in Jos, an institution famous for producing Nigerian football talents including Ahmed Musa, Kingsley Madu, and Samuel Kalu. He spent nearly a decade honing his skills at GBS, developing the technical abilities and tactical understanding that would later attract European scouts.

His secondary school girlfriend, Ibukun (now his wife), played a crucial role during these formative years, fueling his determination to succeed professionally. Moses’s dedication to training while maintaining academic responsibilities demonstrated the discipline that would characterize his professional career.

The GBS Academy’s structured approach to youth development provided Moses with proper coaching, competitive match experience, and exposure to talent scouts. This foundation proved invaluable when European clubs began showing interest in the young winger’s explosive pace and creativity.

Professional Career Journey

AS Trenčín (2014-2015)

After Ajax declined to sign him following pre-season trials in 2013, Moses joined Slovakian club AS Trenčín in January 2014 on a three-year contract. He announced himself spectacularly, scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Europa League debut in a 4-0 home victory against Vojvodina Novi Sad.

During his 13-month stint in Slovakia, Moses netted 13 goals in 33 league appearances, showcasing the attacking instincts that would define his career. His performances attracted attention from bigger European leagues, setting up his next career move.

KAA Gent (2015-2018)

Belgian club KAA Gent secured Moses’s signature on January 6, 2015, signing him to a three-year contract. Despite a red card just 30 seconds after entering his Belgian Cup debut, Moses quickly established himself as a key player.

At Gent, Moses achieved career-defining success, helping the club win the 2014-15 Belgian Pro League title (their first championship) and the 2015 Belgian Super Cup. He scored 21 goals in 76 appearances across three seasons, also featuring in the 2015-16 UEFA Champions League where Gent surprisingly reached the knockout stages.

Levante (2018-2019)

Moses’s move to Spanish La Liga club Levante in 2018 represented his first experience in one of Europe’s top leagues. However, his time in Spain proved challenging—he managed just one goal in 19 appearances as he struggled to adapt to La Liga’s tactical demands and physical intensity.

FC Nantes (2019-2025)

On August 15, 2019, Moses joined Ligue 1 club Nantes on loan. His performances convinced Nantes to trigger the purchase option at season’s end, signing him to a four-year contract. This move revitalized his career.

At Nantes, Moses evolved into a pillar of the team, becoming a fan favorite and senior leader. He extended his contract in December 2023 until 2026, demonstrating his commitment to the club. On May 17, 2025, he celebrated his 200th appearance for Nantes by scoring in a 3-0 victory against Montpellier—a milestone highlighting his consistency and longevity.

Paris FC (2025-Present)

On June 25, 2025, Moses completed a permanent transfer to newly promoted Ligue 1 side Paris FC, signing a three-year contract. The reported €7 million transfer fee reflected his continued value in French football. At Paris FC, he brings experience and quality to an ambitious project targeting Ligue 1 consolidation.

International Career with Nigeria

Moses received his first Super Eagles call-up in March 2015 under coach Daniel Amokachi, making his debut on March 25 in a friendly against Uganda. He scored his first international goal on September 8, 2015, in a 2-0 victory over Niger.

His youth international career included appearances at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey and the 2015 edition in New Zealand. Though selected for Nigeria’s 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Olympics, he didn’t make the final roster.

Injuries devastatingly ruled Moses out of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, one of the lowest points in his career. However, he bounced back strongly for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, playing five matches and providing two assists as Nigeria secured bronze.

At the 2021 AFCON tournament in Cameroon, Moses established himself as a bonafide starter following Watford’s and Napoli’s refusal to release Emmanuel Dennis and Victor Osimhen. His solid partnership with Kelechi Iheanacho contributed to Nigeria’s strong campaign, though they ultimately fell to Tunisia in the round of 16.

He participated in the 2022 AFCON in Cameroon, scoring once and providing an assist. Moses has accumulated over 80 caps for Nigeria, scoring more than 10 international goals while remaining a consistent selection for national team duty.

Marriage and Family Life

Moses married his longtime girlfriend Ibukun Sarah Adenuga on December 29, 2015, in a traditional ceremony in Ibadan, Oyo State. Their love story began in secondary school in Jos, making their marriage a fairytale union of childhood sweethearts who stayed together through Moses’s rise to prominence.

At the wedding, Moses expressed his joy: “I have longed for this day to come, I really thank Almighty God who has made this day to come at last. It is a thing of joy to finally marry my beloved wife. I’m sure God has a reason he has brought us together.”

Ibukun, a graduate of the Polytechnic Institute of Ibadan with a national diploma in banking and finance, has been Moses’s anchor throughout his career. She supported him during uncertain times when he was unsure about his football future and helped him transition to European life after his moves to Slovakia and Belgium.

The couple welcomed their first daughter, Emmanuella Simon, on August 3, 2018. Their second daughter, Ehi, arrived in 2020. On January 28, 2025, Moses announced the birth of their first son on social media, writing: “I find no words strong enough to express my exact feelings, I’m sincerely grateful to GOD. GOD has blessed my home with a baby boy. Thanks my Queen for this marvelous gift to our family, you are indeed a strong woman and I am always proud of you ❤️.”

Moses and Ibukun regularly celebrate their wedding anniversary publicly, with Moses often sharing throwback photos from before his rise to stardom. In December 2023, he marked their eighth anniversary by posting family photos featuring their two daughters.

The Simoiben Academy Initiative

Understanding the challenges facing young Nigerian footballers, Moses and Ibukun founded the Simoiben Academy in Kaduna and Abuja. This grassroots initiative aims to discover, nurture, and promote Nigerian football talents, providing the structured pathway that Moses himself lacked growing up.

Moses explained: “I remember growing up in Kaduna, there was no platform to link young talents with European clubs. Through hard work and perseverance, I was spotted and chosen for a trial in the Netherlands with Ajax.”

While Moses funds the project and provides mentorship, Ibukun serves as academy president, overseeing daily operations and organizational structure. Moses stated: “My wife is the president of the academy, and I am more of a sponsor and mentor to the young boys. She oversees the daily operations and organizational structure.”

The academy has already produced tangible results, with Benjamin Fredrick—one of its graduates—earning a permanent transfer to Brentford FC in the English Premier League after an initial loan spell. Moses even played alongside Benjamin when the young defender received a Super Eagles call-up for Nigeria’s match against Jamaica in May 2025.

“It is a great opportunity to be supporting young talents,” Moses continued. “I feel more fulfilled making an impact with my success for a better future in the lives of the young ones.”

Salary, Market Value and Net Worth

According to Transfermarkt, Moses Simon’s current market value stands at €12 million. At FC Nantes, he reportedly earned approximately €30,000 per week (roughly €1.68 million annually). His Paris FC contract terms have not been publicly disclosed, though the €7 million transfer fee indicates significant investment in his services.

Moses’s net worth estimates vary widely across sources, ranging from $2 million to $10.9 million. These variations stem from different assessment methodologies regarding his earnings, investments, and assets. His primary income derives from club salaries, with additional revenue from endorsement deals including his partnership with Nike.

Beyond football earnings, Moses has demonstrated financial prudence through strategic investments and his agricultural venture, maintaining long-term financial stability for his family. His disciplined approach to wealth management ensures security beyond his playing career.

Social Media Presence and Public Image

Moses maintains active social media presence, particularly on Twitter/X (@simon27moses) and Instagram (@m_simon27), where he shares career updates, family moments, and holiday adventures. His Instagram boasts significant following, with fans appreciating his humble, family-oriented persona.

His social media activity reveals a deeply religious Christian who frequently expresses gratitude to God. Moses and Ibukun are associated with the Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF) church, where they dedicated their children during their time in Belgium.

Moses enjoys close relationships with Nigerian military personnel, including former Chief of Army Staff Faruk Yahaya. As Nigerians would say, he is “heavily connected” within military and police circles, maintaining friendships that began during his childhood in military barracks.

Interestingly, Moses and Super Eagles teammate Terem Moffi are both cynophilists—people who genuinely love dogs—with both players regularly posting pictures with their canine companions.

FAQs About Moses Simon

How old is Moses Simon?

Moses Simon was born on July 12, 1995, making him 29 years old as of 2025.

Who is Moses Simon’s wife?

Moses Simon is married to Ibukun Sarah Adenuga, his secondary school sweetheart whom he wed on December 29, 2015, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

How many children does Moses Simon have?

Moses Simon has three children with his wife Ibukun: two daughters (Emmanuella born in 2018 and Ehi born in 2020) and a son born in January 2025.

What is Moses Simon’s salary?

While at FC Nantes, Moses Simon reportedly earned approximately €30,000 per week (about €1.68 million annually); his Paris FC salary details have not been publicly disclosed.

Which club does Moses Simon play for currently?

Moses Simon currently plays for Paris FC in Ligue 1, having joined the newly promoted club on June 25, 2025, on a three-year contract for approximately €7 million.

Where is Moses Simon from originally?

Moses Simon was born in Jos, Plateau State, but hails from Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, where he is of Idoma ethnicity.