30 Facts About Victor Moses

Early Life and Challenges

Victor Moses's journey to football stardom is nothing short of inspiring. His early life was marked by tragedy and resilience.

1. Early Life and Family: Born on December 12, 1990, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Moses's parents were Christian pastors. Tragically, they were killed in religious riots when he was just 11 years old.

2. Relocation to England: After his parents' death, friends hid Moses for a week before he was smuggled to England. There, he claimed asylum and was placed with a foster family in South London.

3. Education: Moses attended Stanley Technical High School in South Norwood, London. Later, he moved to Whitgift School in Croydon, where he excelled in football under the guidance of Colin Pates, a former Arsenal and Chelsea star.

Football Beginnings

Moses's talent was evident from a young age, and his early football career set the stage for his future success.

4. Football Career Beginnings: At 13, Moses started playing for Cosmos 90 FC in the Tandridge Youth Football League. His performances soon caught the attention of Crystal Palace scouts.

5. Crystal Palace Academy: By 14, Moses was already a sensation in south London, scoring 50 goals for Crystal Palace's under-14s side. He made his first-team debut at 16 on November 6, 2007, in a 1-1 draw with Cardiff City.

6. Crystal Palace Debut: Moses's debut marked the beginning of his professional career. He scored his first senior goal on March 12, 2008, in a 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion.

7. Championship Play-offs: During the 2007-08 season, Moses played 16 times for Crystal Palace, helping them reach the Championship play-offs. Despite losing to Bristol City, his performances were highly praised.

Rise to Prominence

Moses's move to Wigan Athletic and subsequent transfer to Chelsea were pivotal moments in his career.

8. Transfer to Wigan Athletic: In January 2010, Crystal Palace went into administration, leading to Moses's transfer to Wigan Athletic. He made his debut on February 6, 2010, and scored his first goal on May 3, 2010.

9. Wigan Athletic Career: Although injuries marred his time at Wigan, Moses eventually found form, earning respect for his contributions during his final season with the club.

10. Transfer to Chelsea: In August 2012, Moses signed with Chelsea after impressing at Wigan. He played his first game for Chelsea as a substitute against Queens Park Rangers on August 25, 2012.

11. Chelsea Debut: Moses made his full debut for Chelsea against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Initially a midfielder, he later transitioned to playing as a winger or wing-back.

Loan Spells and Return to Chelsea

Despite being a Chelsea player, Moses spent several seasons on loan, gaining valuable experience.

12. Loan Spells: Moses played for Liverpool (2013-2014), Stoke City (2014-2015), and West Ham United (2015-2016) on loan, showcasing his versatility and skill.

13. Return to Chelsea: Moses returned to Chelsea for the 2016-17 season, making 34 appearances as Chelsea won the Premier League. However, he struggled to maintain his form and was loaned out again.

14. Loan Spells Continue: Subsequent loan spells included stints with Fenerbahçe, Inter Milan, and Spartak Moscow, keeping him active and sharp despite not being a regular starter at Chelsea.

International Career

Moses's international career saw him represent both England and Nigeria, making significant contributions to the latter.

15. International Career: Moses represented England at youth levels, playing for the U-16, U-17, U-19, and U-21 teams. He later chose to play for Nigeria at the senior level, debuting in 2012.

16. Nigeria Senior Team: Moses earned 38 caps for Nigeria, scoring 12 goals. He played crucial roles in Nigeria's 2013 Africa Cup of Nations victory and their qualification for the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups.

17. Retirement from International Football: In 2018, Moses announced his retirement from international football. However, rumors suggest he might return for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Athleticism and Versatility

Moses's athleticism and versatility have made him a valuable asset to every team he has played for.

18. Athleticism and Versatility: Known for his speed and agility, Moses can play as a winger or wing-back, making him a versatile player.

19. Net Worth: As of 2023, Moses's net worth is estimated at $27 million. His market value has fluctuated, peaking at $21.8 million and currently standing at $5.4 million.

20. Marital Status and Family: Moses is married to Josephine, and they have three children. A devout Christian, he often speaks about the importance of faith in his life.

Current Club and Social Media Presence

Moses continues to play professionally and maintains an active presence on social media.

21. Height and Weight: Standing at 5 feet 10 inches (177 cm) and weighing around 168 pounds (76 kg), Moses's physical attributes contribute to his on-field prowess.

22. Current Club: As of 2023, Moses plays for Spartak Moscow in the Russian Premier League. He signed a permanent transfer in July 2021 and extended his contract until 2024.

23. Instagram and Social Media: Moses is active on social media, with over a million followers on Instagram (@victormoses) and thousands on Twitter (@VictorMoses).

24. Nickname: Fans affectionately call him "Mr Fantastic" due to his incredible speed and agility.

Career Stats and Achievements

Moses's career stats and achievements highlight his contributions to football at both club and international levels.

25. Career Stats: Moses has played for several top-tier clubs, including Crystal Palace, Wigan Athletic, Chelsea, Liverpool, Stoke City, West Ham United, Fenerbahçe, Inter Milan, and Spartak Moscow. He has over 200 appearances and 30 goals in all competitions.

26. Honors and Achievements: Moses has been part of successful teams, winning the Premier League with Chelsea in the 2016-17 season and the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria.

Personal Challenges and Philanthropy

Despite his success, Moses has faced significant personal challenges and remains committed to giving back.

27. Personal Challenges: Losing his parents at a young age and relocating to England were significant challenges that shaped Moses's life and career.

28. Philanthropy: Moses supports various charitable causes, particularly in Nigeria. He promotes football development among young players and engages in other philanthropic activities.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Moses's legacy extends beyond his on-field performances, inspiring countless young footballers worldwide.

29. Legacy: Moses's story of overcoming adversity and achieving success through hard work and determination inspires many. His versatility and athleticism make him a beloved figure in football.

30. Future Prospects: As Moses continues to play for Spartak Moscow, discussions about his potential return to the Nigerian national team persist. His future in football remains bright, with many expecting him to continue making significant contributions.

Victor Moses: A Story of Resilience and Triumph

Victor Moses's journey from Kaduna, Nigeria to the heights of professional football is nothing short of inspiring. Overcoming the tragic loss of his parents and adapting to life in a new country, Moses has shown remarkable resilience. His career, marked by stints at Crystal Palace, Wigan Athletic, Chelsea, and various loan spells, highlights his versatility and determination. Representing Nigeria on the international stage, he played pivotal roles in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and two FIFA World Cups. Beyond football, Moses's commitment to philanthropy and his role as a family man underscore his character. As he continues with Spartak Moscow, his legacy as a symbol of perseverance and success remains strong. Victor Moses's story is a testament to the power of hard work, faith, and determination in achieving greatness.