London, July 21 – Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Páez is set to join Strasbourg on loan, with the deal now in the final stages of completion.
Páez, who spent time training with Chelsea’s first team during the FIFA Club World Cup, will gain vital first-team experience in Ligue 1 as part of Chelsea’s multi-club model. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is viewed as one of the most promising talents in South American football and is being carefully integrated into senior football ahead of his eventual Stamford Bridge arrival.
Despite his age, Páez has already carved his name into Ecuadorian football history. He made his senior international debut in September 2023 in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, providing an assist in a 2–1 victory. At just 16 years and 161 days, he became the youngest player to represent Ecuador and the second youngest to play senior international football in South America, behind only the legendary Diego Maradona.
His rapid rise continued at the 2024 Copa América, where he was named in Ecuador’s 26-man squad. On 26 June, Páez scored from the penalty spot in a 3–1 group-stage win over Jamaica, becoming the second youngest scorer in the tournament’s history, aged 17 years and 53 days — behind only Johnnier Montaño.
The teenager has cited Gonzalo Plata and Lionel Messi as his biggest inspirations, particularly in developing his dribbling and attacking flair. His fearless displays for La Tri have only heightened expectations as he prepares for the next chapter of his development in France.
Chelsea fans will be keeping a close eye on Páez’s progress at Strasbourg, as the club continues to nurture its next generation of stars with an eye on long-term success.