da apostebet： The 16-year-old is is regarded as the best talent to ever emerge out of Ecuador, and he has completed a move to the big-spending Blues
da dobrowin： The finest footballing exports from the continent of South America are invariably associated with either Brazil or Argentina, but one precocious Ecuadorian is out to change the narrative.
Kendry Paez has long mixed it with the big boys. Having outgrown both the Under-17 and Under-19 sides, the attacking midfielder made his first-team breakthrough for Independiente del Valle in his home country at just 15 years old, inevitably drawing the attention of some of Europe's elite in the process.
A move to Chelsea beckons when Paez turns 18 in 2025, with the Blues having agreed to pay up to £17 million ($21m) to bring the playmaker to west London as their drive to add bright young talent to both their senior and academy ranks continues apace.
It feels strange to look back at the origins of a career that's still in its infancy, but Paez has come so far in such a short time. GOAL breaks down the prodigy's rise to prominence…
Where it all began
Paez has come a long way, both metaphorically and geographically, in his budding career. Born in Ecuador's second city, Guayaquil, in 2007, the midfielder took a huge leap of faith aged 11 by joining Independiente del Valle's academy in Sangolqui on the outskirts of the capital Quito, 260km to the north.
He played for three clubs at youth level before making his big move, including for Barcelona – the most successful team in Ecuador and one of Independiente's biggest rivals. Paez's willingness to leave his hometown at such a tender age reflects the fearlessness he shows on the pitch; this is a player who is determined to succeed no matter what it takes.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe big break
Paez's name has been on people's lips for some time in his home country – perhaps indicative of the huge expectation on his shoulders in a nation that isn't known for producing world-class talent. However, it was in consecutive youth tournaments in the summer of 2022 that he made himself known to the world, including some of Europe's elite.
In July, Independiente's U18s won the Copa Milo on their home ground, and Paez was the star. With scouts from the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund in attendance, he scored a brace in the final against Colombia's Atletico Nacional – sweeping home two fine finishes from the edge of the box in the first half.
The following month, he was voted outstanding player at the 2022 Next Generation Trophy in Salzburg, where Independiente's U15s defeated youth teams from the likes of Inter and RB Leipzig before suffering defeat in the final. Paez's most telling contribution was an audacious lob from inside the centre circle against Leipzig. The ball didn't bounce once before hitting the back of the net.
Getty ImagesHow it's going
Having turned 16 in early May, it seems Paez's days in Independiente's youth teams are already behind him. His exploits in the U18s last year earned him a place in the first-team squad ahead of the 2023 Ecuadorian Serie A season, which got underway in February, as Independiente fast-tracked him amid interest from Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.
He marked his debut against Mushuc Runa in style on the opening day, producing an instinctive, first-time volley to lob the goalkeeper and round off the scoring in a 3-1 victory, becoming both the youngest debutant and goalscorer in Ecuadorian top-flight history.
Having only been left out of La Tri's most recent U20 squad to aid his first-team transition with Independiente, Paez was called-up for the recent U20 World Cup in Argentina, where he was the youngest player on show at the tournament. He impressed against players three or four years old than him as Ecuador reached the knockout rounds, with his displays coming hot off an impressive U17 South American Championship.
The midfielder scored two goals and provided six assists in just eight games as Ecuador finished as runners-up on home soil, with Paez one of the stars of the tournament.
Getty ImagesBiggest strengths
Paez possesses all the attributes you would seek in a modern attacking midfielder; he has dazzling technical dribbling ability, his excellent vision lends itself to pinpoint passing, his feather touch helps him glide past opponents, and he is adept from dead-ball situations thanks to his wand of a left foot.
His height, too, is a significant advantage. According to , Paez already stands at 5'8 (173cm) and, given he is only 16, he still has plenty of room to grow. His rangy frame makes him a formidable opponent at youth level as he towers over average-height youngsters around him and make good use of his physical dominance.
Beyond all of that, though, he evidently has that elite mentality that can so often be the difference between success and failure when a player is first breaking through, and that is reflected in his ability and willingness to mix it with players who are several years his senior, and even lead them on the pitch.
That is something his club manager, Martin Anselmi, has perceived in him: "In Kendry we find someone daring. A boy who asks for it. He is 15 years old and he doesn't care who is in front of him, and he asks for it," he told recently. "He is different type of player. It is the first time that I have seen such a small boy and that…'Well, let's see, what are you made of', and he shows you, he challenges you."
In a previous interview, Anselmi added: "It is not normal for a 15-year-old boy in the first division to have earned the respect of the soccer world in such a short time. He runs, recovers, interprets the game, he is very intelligent to play. When we ask him to get into a certain position to generate an advantage, he does it. All his movements are trained, he carries them out perfectly, understands the game very well and is a guy who is very down to earth in all those ways".