Having played in various countries like Portugal, Spain, Iceland, Sweden, and now England, Carlos Simeon (born 29 October 1998) has encountered the triumphs and challenges that come with the sport. Seysoccer caught up with Carlos as he prepares to make a meaningful impact while representing the national team of Seychelles for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Ivory Coast and Kenya.
Seysoccer: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Carlos Simeon: Well, I was born and raised in Seychelles, currently living in England and playing football there. I’m a goalkeeper. I like to help young players grow in football and in life, giving them advice on how they can improve themselves. I’m a leader in everything I do and confident in my abilities. Most of my family is in Seychelles, but the ones I’m closest to are in England. I don’t go out much; I prefer to stay home after training and matches. At the moment, I’m a free agent, and my agents are sorting out possible contracts. Once I’m back from international duties, everything should be confirmed and signed.
Seysoccer: Could you share some insights about your football career so far?
Carlos Simeon: My football career has had its ups and downs, but I’ve kept going strong. I’ve played in Portugal, Spain, Iceland, Sweden, and now England. I hope to push myself to play in the Premier League one day through hard work and dedication. Talent can only take you so far; it’s the effort that matters. After these two World Cup qualifiers, I hope to make an impression worldwide for myself and my country. I played for the national team six years ago as a midfielder, but I’ve changed my position and believe in myself and my ability to excel.
Seysoccer: How does it feel to represent the national team of Seychelles?
Carlos Simeon: Representing my country is a tremendous honour, and I’m proud to be back in the national team fold. It means a lot to me and my family. Every time I have the opportunity to play for the country I was born in, I give it my all. Being the number one goalkeeper at the moment holds great significance for me.
Seysoccer: Are you pleased with the national team camp and coaching staff?
Carlos Simeon: Since I’ve been here in Seychelles, everything has been good. I struggled in the first couple of days to adjust to the weather and timing, but I gradually got used to it. The training camp has been beneficial for me, and I’ve enjoyed working with a top goalkeeping coach who has boosted my confidence. It’s my first time meeting the new coaching staff, and the training has been tough but valuable for the boys. There is so much young talent in Seychelles that needs to be exposed, and we are all aware of the challenge ahead. Despite that, our team is young and hungry, and the mood is positive.
Seysoccer: Can you compare the footballers you’ve met in Seychelles with your club teammates and the level of football you play overseas?
Carlos Simeon: I’ve played with some very talented players in England who are dedicated to playing and progressing in football. Overseas, there are more opportunities to showcase yourself. I’ve watched a couple of games in Seychelles recently, and I wasn’t entirely pleased with the quality I saw. However, there are good Seychellois players here but some clubs prioritise those who come from Madagascar or Mauritius. It’s important for the managers to believe in the young Seychellois talents and help them grow, not just focus on success and winning trophies. Winning mentality is crucial, but we should also prioritise the main objectives we need in Seychelles.
Seysoccer: What are your expectations for the upcoming trip to Abidjan?
Carlos Simeon: We know we are a young team, and it’s going to be difficult, but our expectation is to prove a lot of people wrong. We are massive underdogs playing against one of the biggest African countries, if not the biggest. Hopefully, we can deliver a performance that makes everyone proud of us. We have a young group with a lot of potential.
Seysoccer: If you could send a message to the people of Seychelles who will support you, what would it be?
Carlos Simeon: My message would be to support us through thick and thin. We know the task isn’t easy, but extra motivation is crucial for us. I want everyone to stay with us and support us. Be proud of these boys and encourage them, whether they’re in the national team or not. Some boys are missing due to injuries, and I wish them a speedy recovery to come back stronger. We are a family. We win together, we lose together. Football is a team sport, and without the support of our home nation and our people, we would be nothing. We thrive on togetherness, and me, the boys, and the coaching staff have each other’s backs and support.
