Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon, says he is enjoying his best season at FC Nantes since joining the club in 2019 from Levante.
With six goals and seven assists already under his belt this season, the 29-year-old’s impact on the pitch has been undeniable.
In a recent interview with l’Équipe, Simon spoke about his journey at Nantes, his unique playing style, and his future aspirations, including a potential World Cup appearance in 2026.
Reflecting on his time at Nantes, where he has made 190 appearances and contributed 35 goals and 39 assists across all competitions, Simon expressed a deep attachment to the club and the city.
“I don’t look at the stats,” he said.
“What matters to me is being at a big club with a fantastic community. I’ve made lifelong friendships here, I love French cuisine, and my family feels at home in France.”
Though his impressive abilities have made him a highly sought-after player, Simon insists that he has no regrets about staying at Nantes.
“When you love your club and get on well with everyone, staying isn’t a problem,” Simon explained. “You can be at a bigger club, not play, and not be happy. I’m happy here, and that’s what matters.”
He also shared his hopes of playing in the 2026 World Cup after missing out on the 2018 tournament due to injury and failing to qualify for the 2022 edition.
“We’re not yet where we want to be, but we’re fighting. I try to encourage my teammates, especially the younger ones,” he said.
Despite Nantes currently fighting to secure a better position in the table, Simon remains a source of positivity and leadership in the dressing room.
Simon’s current form is certainly one of the brightest spots for Nantes. Not only is he leading in dribbles and ball progression, but he is also among the team’s top contributors in offensive stats.
“What I prefer are the assists,” Simon admitted, showcasing his selfless approach to the game.
His ability to beat double-teams with his dribbling, even when opponents know his style, has been a constant source of frustration for defenders. “It doesn’t matter if they know how I play.
“If you have good dribbling and speed, you can get through,” Simon added, referring to his key goal against Rennes in December, which he still watches often.
A standout feature of Simon’s game is his versatility with both feet, a trait he shares with the likes of Ousmane Dembélé. While he humbly downplays his ability in comparison to Dembélé, Simon remains confident in his skills.
“I’m mostly right-footed, but I can be decisive with my left,” he said. “It’s harder for opponents to know which way I’m going to go because I can mix up my movements.”
Despite his contributions to Nantes’ attack, Simon’s preferences on the field are flexible.
Though he often plays on the left wing, he is comfortable switching flanks or even playing in a more central role, as he did in a recent match against Monaco.
“It’s an interesting position where you can run everywhere.
Unfortunately, it didn’t end well, but I still enjoy the flexibility,” he reflected.
Looking back at his career, Simon recalled his first goal for Nantes, scored in a 2-1 win against Amiens in 2019. “It was nice to score with a pass from Valentin Rongier,” Simon said.
“But on the field, there are no good guys,” he added with a laugh, highlighting his competitive spirit.
