Nigerian winger, Moses Simon has been nominated for the prestigious Marc-Vivien Foé Prize, awarded annually to the best African player in Ligue 1.
Simon, who has been in superb form this season, is aiming to become the third Nigerian to win the accolade since Vincent Enyeama (2014) and Victor Osimhen (2020).
Despite Nantes’ struggles this season, the 29 year-old has been a standout performer, contributing 7 goals and 8 assists in 25 league appearances.
His direct involvement in nearly half of his team’s goals underscores his importance.
Meanwhile, on the international stage Simon has remained a key figure for Nigeria, featuring in all their matches this season and providing three assists.
The 2025 winner will succeed Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who claimed the prize last year while playing for Olympique de Marseille.
This year, PSG’s Achraf Hakimi is widely considered the frontrunner. The Moroccan full-back, who finished as runner-up last year, has enjoyed an outstanding season.
The other nominees for the award are:
– Himad Abdelli (Algeria, Angers)
– Eliesse Ben Seghir (Morocco, Monaco)
– Lamine Camara (Senegal, Monaco)
– Habib Diarra (Senegal, RC Strasbourg)
– Yahia Fofana (Ivory Coast, Angers)
– Amine Gouiri (Algeria, Rennes-Olympique de Marseille)
– Evann Guessand (Ivory Coast, OGC Nice)
– Moussa Niakhaté (Senegal, Lyon)
– Abdoulaye Touré (Guinea, Le Havre)
– Hamed Junior Traoré (Ivory Coast, AJ Auxerre)
Since 2011, the award has been named in honour of Marc-Vivien Foé, the Cameroonian midfielder who tragically passed away during a match at Lyon’s Gerland Stadium on June 26, 2003.
A jury of nearly 100 football journalists, specializing in French and African football, will decide the winner based on performances throughout the season.
To be eligible, players must have represented an African national team, played at least 15 Ligue 1 matches, and not switched international allegiance during their careers.
