Who is the 16 year old record breaker to join Chelsea in 2025 Kendry Paez?
Kendry Paez, a young sensation from Ecuador, has agreed to join Chelsea in 2025 for an incredible €20 million, with Chelsea having beaten out several Europe’s premier teams for the deal
Kendry Paez Andrade is an Ecuadorian professional footballer playing as a midfielder for the Ecuador national team and Independiente del Valle, a top football club in Ecuador.
| Date of birth | 4 May 2007 |
| Place of birth | Guayaquil, Ecuador |
| Positions | Midfielder |
| Current team | Independiente del Valle |
| Number | 16 |
Early Life
Kendry Páez, born on May 4, 2007, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, is a professional footballer who has garnered significant attention for his exceptional talent at a young age. He is the son of Ray Páez, a former baseball player who also played soccer at an amateur level, and Jéssica Andrade, who played football during her school days. Growing up in the neighborhoods of Trinitaria Island and Durán, Kendry’s early life was marked by his family’s dedication to nurturing his burgeoning football skills. His mother often undertook long commutes, traveling an hour and a half each way, to ensure he attended training sessions.
Kendry’s football journey began at the age of five when he joined Academia Alfaro Moreno, the youth academy of Barcelona SC. Although Barcelona SC had the opportunity to sign him at eight, they declined, considering it premature to invest in such a young player. He subsequently had brief stints with Emelec and Patria, where he started to feature more regularly as a forward. In 2018, at the age of 12, he joined Independiente del Valle. His outstanding performances in their youth teams, including being named the most outstanding player at the 2022 Next Generation Trophy in Salzburg, Austria, attracted interest from top European clubs. In February 2023, at just 15 years old, Kendry made his professional debut for Independiente del Valle, becoming the youngest debutant and goal-scorer in the Ecuadorian Serie A
Club Career
2018 saw Páez, at 12 years old, join Independiente del Valle. Numerous European teams took notice of his performances for their young squad, which included winning the 2022 Next Generation Trophy in Salzburg, Austria, where he was awarded the most outstanding player. German team Borussia Dortmund reportedly had interest in Páez, while in December 2022, Manchester United of England had their initial proposal for Páez turned down.
At the age of fifteen, he was called up to the first squad of the Independiente del Valle for the 2023 preseason. He scored his much-awaited professional debut goal on February 25, 2021, in a 3-1 Ecuadorian Serie A victory over Mushuc Runa to become the youngest debutant and youngest goal scorer in the Ecuadorian top flight.
On 5th June 2023 Chelsea announced that they had reached an agreement to purchase Kendry Páez from Independiente del Valle. Naturally with Paez just turning 16 and international transfers of minor being prohibited by FIFA laws the youngster would have to wait until he turned 18 to join the club
Naturally, Páez only turned 16 last month, and FIFA laws prohibit international transfers of minors. (However, it appears that they do not stop minors from entering into international contracts or transferring agreements.) Thus, he will join on May 5, 2025, Kendry’s eighteenth birthday. Indeed, 2025.
(Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
International Career
Paez has represented Ecuador at the U17 level and was also included in Ecuador’s squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 world cup in Argentina. Paez became the youngest player to be named in the final squad of any of the competing countries.
In Ecuador’s 9–0 victory over Fiji on May 26, Páez scored a goal, making history as the youngest South American player to score in the FIFA U20 World Cup qualifying match at the age of 16 years and 161 days.
His goal against Bolivia further cemented his position as a rising star in football.
Paez was called up to the Ecuador Senior team for the first time on 5 June 2023.
Achievements
Club Achievements:
Copa Sudamericana Winner: Páez was part of the Independiente del Valle squad that clinched the Copa Sudamericana title.
Sudamericana Winner: He contributed to Independiente del Valle’s victory in the Recopa Sudamericana.
Ecuador Champion: Páez played a role in securing the Supercopa Ecuador title for his team.
International Achievements:
Youngest South American to Score in a World Cup Qualifier: At 16 years and 161 days old, Páez scored in Ecuador’s 2-1 win over Bolivia, setting a new record.
Second Youngest Goal Scorer in Copa América History: He netted a penalty in Ecuador’s victory over Jamaica at 17 years and 53 days old.
Individual Honors:
Ecuador Liga Pro Awards 2023: Páez was honored with multiple end-of-season awards, including Young Player of the Year and Attacking Midfielder of the Year.
Team of the Season Inclusion: His outstanding performances earned him a spot in the league’s Team of the Season
Style of Play
Paez is an extremely gifted, intelligent and advanced playmaker who can make an impact at any moment, thanks to his skill at dribbling.
As a youngster, Paez agreed to have watched the likes of Gonzalo Plata and Lionel Messi and to have drawn inspiration from the duo.
With his preferred left foot Paez tends to play on the right side of attack but he can also come off as a striker
Net Worth
Currently Kendry Paez’s net-worth is undisclosed although sources estimate it to be around $1 million.
Sources claim that when Paez finally joins cheslea in 2025, he will earn close to $2.5m annually.
It is clarified that this would make him earn more money than Palmer and Conor Gallagher combined.
Social media handles
Instagram: @kendrypaez.10
Facebook: Kendry Paez
Frequently asked questons
How old is Kendry Paez?
Born on 4 May, 2007 he is 17 years old
Kendry Paez parents
Kendry Paez parents are both from Ecuador, the youngster is believed to have inherited his athletic genes from his parents. His Father Ray Paez in his younger age played soccer likewise the mom, Jessica Andrade who also played soccer in her school days.
Paez Height
He measures 1.75m in height.
Source: footygazette.com
