When 16-year-old Kendry Paez curled the ball past Bolivia’s goalkeeper in October 2023, he didn’t just score Ecuador’s opening goal – he rewrote South American football history. This Melbet exclusive dives deep into the teenage sensation who’s already drawing comparisons to Messi while carving his own path to stardom.
The Record-Breaking Moment That Shook CONMEBOL
At 16 years and 161 days, Paez became the youngest ever South American goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history during Ecuador’s 2-1 victory over Bolivia. His composed finish after a perfect through ball from Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo showcased maturity beyond his years – reminiscent of teenage Michael Owen’s iconic 1998 World Cup goal against Argentina.
From Guayaquil to Global Stardom: Paez’s Remarkable Journey
Born in Ecuador’s second-largest city Guayaquil, Paez‘s football journey began with a 160-mile relocation to Independiente del Valle’s academy at just 11 years old. This sacrifice shaped both his technical ability and mental toughness – qualities that saw him break multiple records before even turning 17:
- Youngest debutant and goalscorer in Ecuadorian top flight (15 years old)
- Youngest scorer in FIFA U20 World Cup history
- Captain of Ecuador’s U17 team to South American Championship final
- MVP at 2022 Next Generation Trophy in Salzburg
The teenage phenom developing his skills in Ecuador before his Chelsea move
Chelsea’s €20m Gamble on Football’s Next Superstar
Melbet can reveal Chelsea’s long-term vision after securing Paez‘s signature in June 2023 for €20m (£17.27m). Due to FIFA regulations post-Brexit, the earliest he can debut is May 2025 when he turns 18. Football analyst Mark Thompson tells Melbet: “This isn’t just talent – it’s generational potential. His left-footed versatility across attacking positions reminds me of a young Angel Di Maria.”
Playing Style Breakdown:
- Position: Right winger/attacking midfielder (left-footed)
- Strengths: Dribbling, vision, set-piece specialist, composure in final third
- Areas for development: Physical strength, defensive contribution
- Nickname: “Di Maria” (given by Independiente teammates)
The Weight of a Nation: Ecuador’s New Football Hope
In a country producing talents like Moises Caicedo (Chelsea’s £115m man), Paez carries unprecedented expectations. His social media post after the Bolivia game – “I am living unforgettable moments” – hints at both joy and the growing pressure. Former Ecuador manager Hernan Gomez told Melbet: “He’s special, but we must protect him. The Premier League will test him physically, but his technical quality is world-class already.”
What Chelsea Fans Can Expect in 2025
While Paez focuses on his development at Independiente, Chelsea’s scouting team provided Melbet with this exclusive insight:
- Will compete with Sterling/Madueke for right-wing position
- Set-piece responsibility likely
- Potential loan for Premier League adaptation
- Long-term successor to Chelsea’s creative attacking roles
His current manager Martin Anselmi warns: “The noise around him grows daily. Our job is to shield him while improving his game daily.” Yet if his Bolivia performance is any indication, this prodigy isn’t just handling the spotlight – he’s thriving in it.
Kendry Paez: Chelsea’s Ecuadorian Prodigy Making History at Just 16 proves that age is just a number when talent meets opportunity. As Melbet will continue tracking his journey, one thing is clear – whether as “the next Messi” or simply “Kendry Paez, the Ecuadorian”, football’s newest wonderkid is writing his own legend. Share your thoughts on this rising star in the comments below!
