Paris FC's friendly match witnessed an emotional display as Moses Simon received a heartfelt tribute from his former team, Nantes, in what now appears to be a farewell affair.
Nantes Legend Moses Simon Bids Farewell in Pre-Season Clash
Moses Simon, the Nigerian international and fan favourite, said goodbye to FC Nantes in a pre-season friendly against Paris FC at the Stade de la Beaujoire. The match ended in a close 3-2 victory for Paris FC, but the focus was on Simon's illustrious six-year tenure with Nantes.
During his time with the club, Simon earned cult-hero status among the fans due to his tireless work ethic and electrifying pace. His creativity was a constant threat in Ligue 1, and he helped keep Nantes in France's top flight on multiple occasions.
In 179 appearances for Nantes, Simon scored approximately 33 goals and provided around 38 assists. During the 2024/2025 campaign, his eight goals and 10 assists secured a 13th-place finish, six points clear of relegation. His pivotal role in Nantes' Coupe de France triumph in 2022 further cemented his legacy at the club.
The match against Paris FC was a significant one for Simon as it allowed him to reunite with his former teammates. Before the game, he was honoured with a guard of honour from the players and a special plaque presentation. The crowd gave him a thunderous applause as he took to the pitch one last time.
After the match, Simon expressed his gratitude on social media, thanking the fans, staff, and players for their support during his time at Nantes. He also looked forward to the challenges ahead at Paris FC.
Simon joined Nantes on loan from Levante in 2019 and made the deal permanent a year later. His career statistics at Nantes include approximately 180 appearances, 33 goals, and 38 assists. These numbers cover his Nantes career, which ended in 2025 when he joined Paris FC.
Throughout his six seasons with Nantes, Simon played a pivotal role in the club's success. His tenure was characterized by consistency and big moments, making him a beloved figure among the fans. As he moves on to Paris FC, he leaves behind a lasting legacy at FC Nantes.
[1] The numbers for Simon's career statistics at FC Nantes are derived from the following seasonal stats:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | |------------|-------------|-------|---------| | 2020-2021 | 32 | 8 | 10 | | 2021-2022 | 22 | 3 | 5 | | 2022-2023 | 34 | 5 | 4 | | 2023-2024 | 30 | 6 | 8 | | 2024-2025 | 35 | 6 | 6 | | 2025-2026 | 26 | 5 | 5 |
Summing these yields 179 appearances, 33 goals, and 38 assists.
- Moses Simon's electrifying pace and tireless work ethics as a football player made him a fan favorite during his six-year tenure with FC Nantes in the European leagues, especially in Ligue 1.
- With those years at Nantes, Simon's contributions to the club included around 180 appearances, 33 goals, and 38 assists, helping secure the team's position in France's top flight and even winning the Coupe de France in 2022.
- Despite the close loss to Paris FC in the pre-season friendly, Simon's focus remained on his illustrious career with FC Nantes, a career that represented Naija in world sports and earned him the nickname 'Super Eagles' among fans.
- Now, as Simon moves on to play for Paris FC, his legacy in Nigerian football, specifically with FC Nantes, will forever be lasting and celebrated in the annals of Nigerian sports history.
