Simon Adingra is a rising star in the world of football. He is an Ivorian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion and the Ivory Coast national team. He is known for his speed, dribbling, creativity, and goal scoring ability.
But who is Simon Adingra behind the scenes? What are his religion, age, parents, family, net worth, and girlfriend? In this article, we will explore the life story of Simon Adingra, from his humble beginnings in Ivory Coast to his meteoric rise in Europe. We will also reveal some interesting facts and trivia about him that you might not know.
Early Life and Career
Childhood and Youth
Simon Adingra was born on January 1, 2002, in Yamoussoukro, the capital city of Ivory Coast. He is the son of Adama and Awa Adingra, who are both teachers. He has a younger sister named Aminata, who is also a football fan. Simon grew up in Abobo, a northern suburb of Abidjan, where he developed his passion for football. He idolized Didier Drogba, the legendary Ivorian striker who played for Chelsea and led his country to the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.
Simon started playing football at a young age, joining a local team called Abobo FC. He showed great talent and potential, attracting the attention of several scouts and coaches. However, when he was 12 years old, he was deceived by a fake agent who promised him a trial in Europe. Simon left his home and family, only to find himself stranded in Benin, a neighboring country, with no money or contacts. He was devastated and scared, but he did not give up on his dream.
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Right to Dream Academy
Simon’s luck changed when he was spotted by a scout from the Right to Dream Academy, a Ghanaian-based football and education program that provides opportunities for talented African players. He was invited to join the academy, where he received a scholarship and a chance to showcase his skills. He also met his mentor and role model, Michael Essien, the former Ghanaian and Chelsea midfielder who was a patron of the academy. Essien taught Simon the values of hard work, discipline, and humility and helped him improve his game.
Simon excelled at the Right to Dream Academy, winning several awards and trophies. He also impressed the coaches and scouts from Europe, who visited the academy regularly. He received offers from several clubs, such as Manchester United, Liverpool, and Ajax, but he chose to join Nordsjælland, a Danish club that had a partnership with the academy. He moved to Denmark in January 2020, when he was 18 years old, and signed his first professional contract.
Nordsjælland
Simon made his debut for Nordsjælland on April 18, 2021, in a 2-2 league draw against Copenhagen. He came on as a substitute in the 68th minute and scored his team’s second goal, making him the youngest Ivorian to score in the Danish Superliga. He quickly established himself as a regular starter, playing as a left winger or a second striker. He scored 11 goals and provided 8 assists in 38 appearances for Nordsjælland, helping them finish fourth in the league and qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
Simon’s performances for Nordsjælland attracted the interest of several bigger clubs, such as Arsenal, Leicester City, and Borussia Dortmund. However, he decided to join Brighton & Hove Albion, a Premier League club that had a similar philosophy and vision as Nordsjælland. He transferred to Brighton on June 24, 2022, for a fee of £15 million, signing a four-year contract.
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Brighton & Hove Albion
Adingra made his Brighton debut as a substitute in the opening game of the 2023–24 season on 12 August, 2022. He scored the Seagulls’ third goal in a 4-1 home win over newly promoted Luton Town, becoming the first Ivorian to score for Brighton in the Premier League. He also became the youngest player to score on his Premier League debut since Wayne Rooney in 2002. He received a standing ovation from the fans and the praise of his manager, Roberto De Zerbi, who called him a “special talent.”
However, Simon did not get many opportunities to play for Brighton in his first season, as he faced competition from more experienced players, such as Kaoru Mitoma, Solly March, and Leandro Trossard. He made only 11 appearances for Brighton, scoring 3 goals and providing 2 assists. He also played four games in the UEFA Europa League, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
To gain more experience and playing time, Simon agreed to join Union SG, a Belgian club that had a sister relationship with Brighton, on loan for the 2022–23 season. He moved to Belgium on July 4, 2022, and joined his new teammates for pre-season training.
Union SG (loan)
Simon made his debut for Union SG on July 25, 2022, in a 3-0 league win over Genk. He started as a right winger and scored his team’s second goal, making him the first Ivorian to score for Union SG in the Belgian First Division A. He quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname “The Abobo Express” for his speed and flair. He formed a formidable partnership with Brighton loanee Alexis Mac Allister, who played as a central attacking midfielder.
Simon had a remarkable season with Union SG, scoring 11 goals and providing 12 assists in 36 league appearances. He helped Union SG finish third in the league, behind Club Brugge and Anderlecht, and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. He also scored 3 goals and provided 4 assists in 4 Belgian Cup games, helping Union SG reach the final, where they lost 2-1 to Club Brugge. He also played 11 games in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists.
Simon’s loan spell with Union SG was a success, as he gained valuable experience and confidence. He also improved his skills and versatility, playing in different positions and roles. He returned to Brighton at the end of the season, ready to challenge for a place in the first team.
International Career
Ivory Coast debut
Simon received his first call-up to the Ivory Coast senior national team in March 2023, for two Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches against the Comoros. He made his debut on March 25, 2023, in a 2-0 away win, coming on as a substitute in the 76th minute and replacing Maxwel Cornet. He impressed the coach, Patrice Beaumelle, who praised his potential and attitude.
Simon made his first start for Ivory Coast on March 29, 2023, in a 4-0 home win over Comoros, securing their qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He played as a left winger and scored his team’s third goal, making him the youngest Ivorian to score for the national team since Gervinho in 2007. He also provided an assist for Wilfried Zaha, who scored the fourth goal.
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Simon Adingra Personal Life
Adingra’s Religion
Simon Adingra is a devout Christian who believes in God and follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. He often prays before and after games, and he thanks God for his blessings and talents. He also attends church regularly and reads the Bible every day. He has a tattoo of a cross on his left arm, which symbolizes his faith and devotion.
Simon is respectful of other religions and cultures and does not impose his beliefs on others. He has friends and teammates from different backgrounds and faiths, and he learns from them and appreciates their diversity. He also supports various interfaith and humanitarian initiatives, such as the Peace and Sport Foundation, which promotes peace and social cohesion through sport.
Adingra’s Family
Simon Adingra is very close to his family, who are his biggest supporters and inspirations. He loves his parents, Adama and Awa, who are both teachers. He credits them for instilling in him the values of education, hard work, and humility. He also admires them for their courage and sacrifice, as they endured many hardships and challenges to provide for him and his sister, Aminata.
Simon is also very fond of his sister, Aminata, who is two years younger than him. He considers her his best friend and confidant, and he always tries to protect and guide her. Aminata is also a football fan, and she follows Simon’s career closely. She often visits him in Europe and attends his games whenever she can.
Simon also has a large extended family that lives in Ivory Coast and other countries. He has many cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents who are very proud of him and his achievements. He keeps in touch with them regularly, and sends them money and gifts. He also visits them during holidays and breaks and enjoys spending time with them.
Girlfriend and Wife
Simon Adingra is currently single, and he does not have a girlfriend or a wife. He is focused on his football career, and he does not have much time for dating or romance. He also values his privacy, and he does not like to share his personal life with the media or the public. He prefers to keep his relationships low-key and discreet.
However, Simon has been linked to several women in the past who were rumored to be his girlfriends or potential wives. Some of them were celebrities, such as singers, actresses, and models, while others were ordinary people, such as students, journalists, and fans. Some of the names that have been associated with Simon are:
- Aya Nakamura, a French singer of Malian origin who is famous for her songs such as “Djadja,” “Pookie,” and “Jolie Nana.” She and Simon met at a party in Paris in 2021, and they were seen together several times. However, they never confirmed their relationship, and they eventually parted ways.
- Nana Ama McBrown, a Ghanaian actress and television host who is known for her roles in movies such as “Nnipa Ye Bad,” “Madam Joan,” and “Asoreba.” She and Simon met at the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana in 2020, where she was a guest speaker. They became friends, and they exchanged contacts. However, they never dated, as Nana Ama was already married to Maxwell Mensah, a businessman.
- Fatoumata Diawara, a Malian singer and actress who is acclaimed for her music and activism. She and Simon met at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in 2023, where she performed at the opening ceremony. They were impressed by each other’s talents and passions, and they started a friendship. However, they never became a couple, as Fatoumata was already in a relationship with Cheick Tidiane Seck, a musician.
Simon has not confirmed or denied any of these rumors, and he has maintained his silence on his love life. He has stated that he is happy and content with his single status and that he is not in a hurry to find a girlfriend or a wife. He has also said that he is open to love and that he will let fate decide his future partner.
Simon Adingra Net Worth and Salary
His net worth is reported to be between $1 million and $3 million, which he earned through his football career. His salary is not publicly known, but it may be determined by the terms of his contract, his performance, and his endorsements.
End Note
Simon Adingra is an Ivorian professional footballer. He was born to his parents, Adama and Awa.
January 1, 2002, in Yamoussoukro, the capital city of Ivory Coast and he is 21 years old.
Simon Adingra has only one sister (Aminata), and doesn’t have any brothers.
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Aside from Simon Adingra’s biography, we have other interesting soccer stories that’ll interest you. Two of such include the biographies of Alejandro Garnacho and Anthony Gordon.
