Amara Simba: The French pioneer who opened the door to Mexico
Former French international Amara Simba reflects on his trailblazing move to Mexico in 1997, becoming the first Frenchman to play in the country.
Amara Simba est arrivé à Leon (Mexique) en 1997. (DR) Jérémy Ménez (à gauche) face à André-Pierre Gignac, lors de la 6e journée du Championnat du Mexique, en 2018. (G. Valdez/Jam Media)
Amara Simba, the former French international, became a true pioneer when he joined Club Leon in January 1997. His move to Mexico was an unexpected turn for a player who was at the time at Lille and had been considering options in Switzerland or Canada.
Adjusting to life in Mexico proved challenging. Simba recalls the physical toll of playing at high altitude in Leon, as well as the grueling travel conditions on long bus trips for away games. Despite a tough beginning, he managed to learn Spanish through his teammates and spent a year and a half in the country, also featuring for Union de Curtidores.
Simba fondly remembers playing against legends like Hugo Sanchez and a notable victory over Atletico Celaya, which featured Real Madrid icons Emilio Butragueno and Michel. According to the veteran striker, Mexican football demands quick adaptation and a strong mentality to satisfy the passionate local fanbase.
While the majority of French players who followed him to Mexico found success difficult to come by, Andre-Pierre Gignac stands out as an exception, having become a legendary figure at Tigres. Simba notes that success in the country is heavily dependent on a player's ability to immediately immerse themselves in the local culture.