Simon Adingra is a professional footballer from Ivory Coast, known for his dazzling footwork, blistering pace, and eagerness to change games with his creativity. Born on January 1, 2002, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Adingra has emerged as one of the most exciting young wingers in European football.
He currently plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League and represents the Ivory Coast national team.
Standing at 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches), Adingra combines agility with technical brilliance, making him a nightmare for defenders. His preferred position is left wing, but he is equally adept at playing on the right, cutting inside to unleash powerful shots or deliver precise crosses.
His quick feet and ability to dribble through tight spaces have earned him comparisons to some of the best African wingers to grace the game.
Beyond football, Adingra is also known for his distinctive hairstyle, black hair with a tinted section on the side.
Bio Data
Full Name: Simon Kofi Adingra
Date of Birth: January 1, 2002
Place of Birth: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Nationality: Ivorian
Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Position: Winger (Left/Right)
Current Club: Brighton & Hove Albion (England)
Jersey Number: 24
Youth Academy: Right to Dream Academy (Ghana)
Major Achievements:
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Winner – 2023
AFCON 2023 Best Young Player
Man of the Match – AFCON 2023 Final
Source: Sportdailyfeeds
Early Life and Youth Development
Simon Adingra grew up in Abidjan, a city known for producing top Ivorian footballing talents. His passion for football was evident from an early age, and he spent countless hours playing on the streets, honing his skills against older opponents.
Unlike many kids who only saw football as a pastime, Adingra may have viewed it as his path to success. His natural talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of local scouts, setting him on the road to professional football.
He began his footballing journey at the Right to Dream Academy, a prestigious institution known for producing top African footballers. The academy not only refined his footballing abilities but also instilled discipline and a strong work ethic in him. It was here that he developed the sharp dribbling, tactical awareness, and goal-scoring instincts that would later define his career.
However, Adingra’s path was not without challenges. At the age of 12, he fell victim to a scam by a fake coach promising football training in Benin for €300. Nevertheless, Adingra kept following his dream with passion. He continued training hard, eventually making a name for himself, and proving that resilience is just as important as talent in football.
FC Nordsjælland
In January 2020, Adingra signed with Danish club FC Nordsjælland and moved to Europe, which effectively marked the beginning of his professional career, and he quickly adapted to European football. His technical ability and fearless attacking play made him stand out among his peers, and he wasted no time in making an impact.
Adingra made his professional debut on April 18, 2021, in a league match against FC Copenhagen. Not only did he impress with his dribbling and pace, but he also scored on his debut, stamping his arrival on the big stage. His first season saw him establish himself as a key player for Nordsjælland, contributing goals and assists while gaining valuable experience in European football.
Playing in Denmark helped Adingra sharpen his tactical awareness and improve his physicality. The Scandinavian league is known for its intense pressing and fast-paced football, and this environment prepared him for the bigger challenges ahead. His performances caught the eye of Premier League scouts, and it wasn’t long before he made a move to England.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Adingra’s impressive displays led to a transfer to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on June 24, 2022, where he signed a four-year contract.
The move to England was a dream come true for the young Ivorian winger, who had always aspired to play in the Premier League. To gain further experience, he was loaned to Brighton’s Belgian sister club, Union SG, for the 2022–23 season.
The loan spell proved to be a masterstroke. Adingra flourished in Belgium, playing with confidence and freedom. He ended the season as one of Union SG’s standout performers, scoring crucial goals and assisting his teammates.
His performances ensured that Brighton took notice, and he was recalled to join their first team for the 2023–24 season.
On August 12, 2023, Adingra made his Premier League debut against Luton Town, and what a debut it was!
He came off the bench and scored in a 4–1 victory, announcing himself to English football in style. His impact has continued to grow since then, alongside Kaouru Mitoma, Brighton are known for having pacy and tricky wingers capable of exploring any defense in a good day.
International Career
Simon Adingra’s international career has been equally impressive as his club career. He made his debut for the Ivory Coast national team in 2023 and quickly became an important part of the team for the Elephants.
However, his breakthrough moment came during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he played a crucial role in Ivory Coast’s third AFCON triumph.
In the final against Nigeria, held on February 11, 2024, Adingra was at his best. He assisted both goals in a 2–1 victory, leading Ivory Coast to a comeback glory and earning himself the Man of the Match award.
His contributions throughout the tournament also saw him named AFCON 2023’s Best Young Player.
Adingra’s success at AFCON confirmed his status as one of Africa’s brightest young talents. His ability to perform on the big stage has made him a key player for Ivory Coast as they prepare for future tournaments, including the forthcoming AFCON 2025 and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Playing Style and Impact
Adingra is a classic winger with explosive speed, incredible dribbling skills, and a keen eye for goal. He thrives in one-on-one situations, often using his quick feet to beat defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities. His ability to cut inside and shoot, makes him a versatile attacking threat.
One of his standout qualities is his low center of gravity, which allows him to change direction quickly and evade tackles as well as the ability to squeeze through tight spaces and deliver precise passes.
All these makes him a valuable asset to the teams he has played for.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
In 2024, he made a generous donation to Abi Sport FC in Benin, the club that played a crucial role in his early development. He provided sportswear and equipment, inspiring young players to pursue their dreams.
Additionally, Adingra funded the surgery of a young Ghanaian girl, demonstrating a dedication to making a positive impact beyond football.
Final Thoughts on Simon Adingra
Despite his young age, Adingra has comparatively achieved a lot in his career. He has played in three different countries (Denmark, Belgium, and England), won an AFCON title, and established himself in one of the toughest leagues in the world.
His journey from the streets of Abidjan to the Premier League serves as an inspiration to young African footballers. His work ethic, resilience, and humility have set him apart, and he continues to grow as a player and a person.
With his talent and determination, Adingra is destined for even greater success and achievements. Whether it’s with Brighton, Ivory Coast, or a potential future move to a top European club, the football world is watching his rise with great anticipation.
FAQs
Q: How old is Simon Adingra?
He was born on January 1, 2002, making him 23 years old in 2025.
Q: Which club does he play for?
Simon Adingra plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League.
Q: What position does he play?
He primarily plays as a left winger but can also operate on the right.
Q: Has he won any major trophies?
Yes! He won the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Ivory Coast.
