Kendry Paez is making history

Rookie midfielder Kendry Paez, 16 years old, became the youngest player to wear the Ecuadorian national team’s jersey, after participating on Tuesday evening in the 2-1 victory over Uruguay in the second round of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Although Paez, who was recently contracted by Chelsea but will not join its ranks before he reaches the legal age, did not score a goal in his opening match with the “Tri-Color”, he did make a goal that contributed to his national team teammate, Felix Torres, scoring a brace.

Paez, who is 16 years, 4 months and 8 days old, became the youngest player to wear his country’s shirt, as he played as a starter and showed great potential during the match, playing alongside the national team’s all-time top scorer, Ener Valencia.

Paez remained on the field until the 69th minute, when the Spanish national team coach, Felix Sanchez, decided to take him out, amid applause from the fans.

Sanchez had previously summoned the promising player during Ecuador’s two friendly matches last June in the United States against Bolivia and Costa Rica, but he did not participate due to not obtaining an entry visa. He was later summoned to participate in the U-20 World Cup in Argentina.

The rookie midfielder previously participated in the Ecuadorian First Division at the age of 15 years, 9 months and 21 days, and scored his first goal on February 25 for Independiente del Valle.

Paez will continue to play for Del Paye on loan until he turns 18, after which he will join Chelsea.