Nigeria’s Moses Simon is making waves in France again — not just for goals and assists, but for his electrifying dribbling. The FC Nantes winger is now the frontrunner for Ligue 1’s newly launched Best Dribbler award, a unique individual honor backed by none other than Belgian legend Eden Hazard.
As the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season enters its final stretch, Moses Simon’s Ligue 1 brilliance is being recognized on multiple fronts. Not only is he nominated for the 2025 Marc-Vivien Foé Award — given to the best African player in France’s top division — but he also leads the race for an innovative new award aimed at celebrating the league’s most skillful and daring dribblers.
LFP Introduces Best Dribbler Award – Simon Takes Early Lead
On Friday, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) introduced the Ligue 1 Best Dribbler award, a fresh initiative to spotlight players who light up the pitch with dazzling footwork, creativity, and confidence in one-on-one duels.
In collaboration with Eden Hazard, whose silhouette appears on the award trophy, the LFP aims to honor “artists we admire for their flow, boldness, and a style that makes the crowd go wild,” as the former Real Madrid and Chelsea star described it.
While the official nominee list is yet to be unveiled, data from Sofascore after 27 rounds puts Moses Simon at the top, with 56 successful dribbles — more than any other player in the French top flight.
Trailing him are:
- Diego Moreira (Strasbourg) – 50 successful dribbles
- Farid El Melali (Angers) – 50
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
- Maghnes Akliouche & Eliesse Ben Seghir (Monaco)
- Rayan Cherki (Lyon)
- Mason Greenwood (on loan at Marseille)
- Désiré Doué (Rennes)
But it is Moses Simon’s consistency, flair, and end-product that set him apart, making him a serious contender for this historic first-time honor.
Moses Simon: The Dribbling Dynamo of Nantes
At 29 years old, Simon is enjoying one of his best seasons in France since joining Nantes from Levante. The Nigerian forward has 7 goals and 8 assists in 25 league appearances — a direct involvement in nearly half of Nantes’ total goals this season.
Despite Nantes’ challenges in Ligue 1, Simon has consistently stood out, not only creating chances but also tormenting defenders with his trademark close control and explosive bursts.
His numbers in 1v1s speak volumes:
- Dribbles per game: 3.8
- Success rate: 61%
- Chances created: 39
- Key passes per match: 2.2
Whether operating from the left wing or cutting inside centrally, Moses Simon’s Ligue 1 influence has been immense in 2024/25.
Fourth Marc-Vivien Foé Nomination – Can He Finally Win It?
In addition to the Best Dribbler race, Simon is also nominated for the 2025 Marc-Vivien Foé Award, given annually to the best African player in Ligue 1 by RFI and France 24.
This marks Simon’s fourth nomination (after 2020, 2022, and 2024), as he hopes to finally clinch the prize — joining the elite company of Nigerian compatriots Vincent Enyeama (2014) and Victor Osimhen (2020).
Among the 12 shortlisted for this year’s award are:
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG)
- Evann Guessand (Ivory Coast, OGC Nice)
- Mama Baldé (Guinea-Bissau, Lyon)
- Habib Diarra (Senegal, Strasbourg)
With his combined attacking contributions, dribbling stats, and leadership in a struggling team, Simon presents a strong case to finally take home the prestigious African accolade.
A Nod to Eden Hazard and the Artistry of Dribbling
The symbolic connection between the Ligue 1 Best Dribbler award and Eden Hazard is especially fitting, given Hazard’s legacy in French football. He first rose to prominence at Lille before becoming a global star at Chelsea and Real Madrid.
“Hope you enjoy the nominees as much as I do,” said Hazard in a promo video. For fans of Nigerian football, there’s no doubt who the standout nominee is.
What This Means for Nigeria and AFCON 2025
Simon’s form is good news not just for Nantes, but for Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco. If he maintains this level, he will certainly be among Jose Peseiro’s first names on the team sheet.
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🔑 Key Takeaways
- Moses Simon leads Ligue 1 with 56 successful dribbles, ahead of Dembélé and Akliouche.
- The Ligue 1 Best Dribbler award will be presented for the first time this season, with Eden Hazard as its ambassador.
- Simon is also shortlisted for the 2025 Marc-Vivien Foé Award, celebrating the best African player in Ligue 1.
- With 7 goals and 8 assists in 25 games, the Nigerian winger is enjoying a standout season with FC Nantes.
