Ivory Coast: Deli Simon calls time on his career

Deli Simon says goodbye to professional football. At 34, the Ivorian defender has officially announced his retirement from the game.
Deli Simon formally ended his "beautiful and illustrious career" on March 7, 2026.

Deli Simon told Slavia Prague’s media channels: "I don’t want to push myself any further; I have to finally listen to my body. Finishing my career with Slavia was the most important thing for me."
After suffering multiple injuries, the Ivorian international has decided to turn the page on his playing days.

Deli Simon earned 27 caps for the "Elephants," Ivory Coast’s national team, and spent most of his club career with Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic. A graduate of the Africa Sports Academy in Abidjan, he also played in Belgium and Turkey.
The Ivorian defender made 332 appearances at club level and won 7 trophies, including 3 Czech league titles and the Belgian league championship with Club Brugge.

Following his retirement, Deli Simon intends to invest in developing young talent through his own academy, Slavia Abidjan.

Nafongo TRAORE |

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Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.