Kendry Paez: The Exciting Ecuadorian Golden Boy and Superstar

Kendry Paez is one of the most exciting players to come of South America in recent years along with the likes of Endrick and future Chelsea teammate Estevao William.

He is blessed with the technical ability and dribbling ability to rival Neymar and even Lionel Messi. At such a young age has already left tongues wagging. Join Footballers’ Biographies as we delve into the life and footballing adventure of Kendry Paez the golden boy of Ecuador.

Player Profile – Ray Kendry Páez Andrade

Kendry Páez is a highly promising Ecuadorian footballer born on May 4, 2007, in Esmeraldas, Guayaquil, Ecuador. The teenage star is primarily known for his role as an attacking midfielder, Páez has gained recognition for his exceptional technical skills, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game.

He began his professional journey with Independiente del Valle, where his performances quickly caught the attention of top European clubs.

He is known for his mature playing style despite his young age, Páez has become a standout talent in South American football, showcasing his potential as one of the brightest prospects in the sport.

Player Profile Overview

Kendry Paez’s Early Life and Background

Kendry Páez was born on May 4, 2007, in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and exhibited remarkable football talent from a young age. He grew up with his mother, Jéssica Andrade and father, Ray Páez, who both had athletic backgrounds.

Although the Paez family faced financial challenges, her received immense support from his family. He began his football journey at age 5 with the local academy Huancavilca and later moved to Academia Alfaro Moreno.

Despite a setback with Barcelona SC, his exceptional skills led him to Independiente del Valle, where he made a significant impact and quickly progressed through the ranks.

Playing Style and Strength

Despite his youth, Páez’s athleticism allows him to compete effectively with adults, even at just 5 feet 8 inches tall. As a left-footed player with exceptional technical skills, he stands out with his remarkable creativity, often spotting passing opportunities that others might miss.

His ability to seamlessly connect with teammates and his unpredictability makes him a distinctive and valuable player, keeping both his teammates and opponents on their toes.

Kendry Paez’s Career Highlights

Kendry Páez started his football journey with Academia Alfaro Moreno, the youth academy of Barcelona SC when he was five years old.

Although Barcelona SC had the opportunity to sign him at eight, they declined due to financial constraints. Páez briefly played for Emelec before joining Patria, where he began to play more consistently as a forward.

Kendry Paez Moves to Independiente Valle

After several impressive performances for Barcelona SC, Kendry Páez joined Independiente del Valle in 2018 at the age of 12. His impressive performances for the youth team were highlighted by being named the most outstanding player at the 2022 Next Generation Trophy in Salzburg, Austria.

He caught the eye of several European clubs. Among the interested parties were Borussia Dortmund from Germany, and Manchester United, whose initial bid for Páez was rejected in December 2022.

Kendry Paez is a Record Setter

Paez was promoted to Independiente del Valle’s first team for the 2023 pre-season at age fifteen. On February 25, 2021, he made his professional debut, scoring the third goal in a 3-1 Ecuadorian Serie A victory over Mushuc Runa.

The teenage sensation received a cut-back from Anthony Landázuri on the right side of the penalty area and he volleyed the ball over goalkeeper Jorge Pinos into the far corner. This goal made him the youngest debutant and goal-scorer in the history of the Ecuadorian top flight at the age of 15 years 09 months 21 days.

Paez has followed in the footsteps of his fellow countryman, Moises Caicedo, who joined Chelsea at the beginning of the 2023-24 Premier League season.

Kendry Paez has since agreed to join Premier League Chelsea in 2025 after his 18th birthday alongside Brazilian Estevao William who will also join the Stamford Bridge side when he turns 18 in 2025.

Kendry Paez’s International Career

Páez started his international career playing for Ecuador’s U17 team, scoring against Argentina and Colombia. He was left out of the under-20 squad for the 2023 South American U-20 Championship to focus on joining the Independiente del Valle first team.

Kendry Paez was called up again for the 2023 South American U-17 Championship, where he assisted Ecuador’s second goal in a 2-2 draw with Brazil.

He finished the tournament with 2 goals as Ecuador narrowly missed out on the trophy by 2 points and finished the final stage of the competition unbeaten.

Their second-place finish in the competition ensured that Ecuador qualified for the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup in Indonesia. Sadly Paez did not feature at the global U17 Showpiece event.

FIFA U20 World Cup

Kendry Páez was also included in Ecuador’s squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, becoming the youngest player in the tournament.

He scored in Ecuador’s 9-0 win over Fiji, making him the youngest player to score in the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Paez finished the tournament with a single goal as South Korea eliminated Ecuador in the Round of 16 3-2.

The Ecuadorian failed to perform to his usual standard missing out on the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot to Italy’s and Chelsea star Cesare Casadei.

Kendry Paez Makes Senior National Team Debut

Kendry Paez made his senior international debut on September 12, 2023, starting in a 2–1 World Cup qualifier win over Uruguay and assisting Félix Torres’ winning goal.

He became the youngest player to represent Ecuador and the second youngest South American to play international football behind Diego Maradona. Paez scored his first goal for Ecuador in a 2–1 win over Bolivia, setting a record as the youngest goalscorer in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers at 16 years and 161 days old.

Shining at the 2024 Copa America

Kendry Páez was part of the 26-man Ecuadorian squad for the 2024 Copa América alongside Moises Caicedo and Enner Valencia.

Paez made his Copa America debut in a 2-1 to Venezuela; however, he scored a penalty in a 3–1 win against Jamaica in the next match, making him the second youngest scorer in the competition at 17 years and 53 days.

Ecuador progressed to the quarterfinals where they faced eventual champions Argentina and eventual Golden Boot winner Lautaro Martinez. However, it was Manchester United Centerback Lisandro Martinez who scored for Argentina in the 1-1 draw, with Ecuador losing on penalties after extra time.

The Ecuadorian Messi

Kendry Páez is gaining attention in South America and is sometimes compared to Lionel Messi for his passing and dribbling skills.

However, he remains humble and rejects such comparisons. He told ESPN SportsCenter, “I’m Kendry, and I aim to make a name for Ecuador. I don’t want to be compared to Messi; he’s the best. I’m still developing and gaining experience. Maybe in the future, with my achievements, people will recognize Kendry Páez, the Ecuadorian. It’s just me, no one else.”

Inspiration and Idols

Kendry Páez idolizes fellow Ecuadorian Gonzalo Plata and Argentine Lionel Messi. Watching them as a child, he drew inspiration from their playing styles, particularly to improve his own dribbling skills.

Personal Life and Interest

Kendry Páez has managed to keep his personal life relatively private. He is only known for his dedication to football, he often spends his free time honing his skills or engaging in training sessions.

Outside of football, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, and he has expressed interest in various hobbies related to sports and fitness and he skates occasionally.

Kendry Paez is rumoured to be in a romantic relationship with teen Ecuadorian model, Sulay Mora, although there is no confirmation from the player.

Conclusion

Kendry Paez is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars in football today, having already secured a big move to Europe to play for Chelsea, the stage is set for the talented star to etch his name in history and rewrite the history books.