Kendry Páez, an Ecuadorian football prodigy, was at Stamford Bridge for the first time during Chelsea's 4-2 penalty win over Newcastle United on December 19, 2023, having officially signed a deal with the English club in April 2023.
The Blues defeated Eddie Howe's side on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Callum Wilson had taken Newcastle United ahead in the 16th minute, before Mykhailo Mudryk rose up clutch 2 minutes into 4 minutes of additional time in the second 45.
Paez was born in 2007 and he will join the Blues in July 2025. Despite his age, his visit to the club has stirred up excitement about what he could bring to the team in the future.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, acknowledged Páez's talent, mentioning his role in the Ecuadorian national team and describing him as a remarkable player with great potential.
Pochettino also drew comparisons to Argentine stars like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria due to Kendry Paez's creativity and versatility in midfield.
"Of course, I know him. He is playing in the Ecuador national team", the coach said.
"He was the youngest to make his debut. I follow the national teams, I follow them in South America, he is our player and I know him very well. He is a great talent"
The 16-year-old wonderkid from Ecuador, likened to Messi for his left-footed skills, visited Chelsea's Cobham training ground before the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Newcastle, a match the Blues won on penalties.
Although Páez can't play for Chelsea until after his 18th birthday in May 2025, the £17.2 million signing from Independiente del Valle has caught attention for his exceptional rise.
He has a height of 5ft 9inches, he dazzles with body feints, precise touches, and an impressive ability to strike the ball.
Páez's rise to prominence was astronomical, as at just 15, he became the youngest debutant and scorer in Ecuador's top-division history.
The Ecuadorian's performance in the 2022 Copa Milo Final attracted scouts from major European clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Borussia Dortmund.
Kendry Paez also captained Ecuador's U-17 team and setting records as the youngest goalscorer in the U-20 World Cup further elevated his reputation.
At just 16 years and 131 days old, Páez made his senior international debut for Ecuador, notching an assist and a goal in consecutive wins, setting records as the youngest Ecuadorian international and goalscorer.
His potential to surpass Diego Maradona's record as the youngest South American international player is imminent.
While comparisons to Messi arise, Páez prefers to forge his path, acknowledging Messi's greatness while emphasizing his development and need for experience.
Currently, he's improving his English oratory skills and will return to Independiente for 18 months before permanently joining Chelsea in 2025.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Paez expressed that he doesn't want to be compared to Argentine great Lionel Messi.
The youngster said: “I'm Kendry, I'm going to give the name to Ecuador. I'm going to continue being me, I don't want to be compared to Messi.
"Messi's very special, he's the best. I'm 16 years old, they cannot compare me with him, because I'm in a process.
“I have things to improve and [need to] gain a lot of experience."
His earliest possible appearance for Chelsea could be in the Club World Cup in the summer of 2025.
Despite the anticipation surrounding his future at Chelsea, his recent visit to the club offers a glimpse into the immense talent he embodies.
The Blues defeated Eddie Howe's side on penalties, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Callum Wilson had taken Newcastle United ahead in the 16th minute, before Mykhailo Mudryk rose up clutch 2 minutes into 4 minutes of additional time in the second 45.
Paez was born in 2007 and he will join the Blues in July 2025. Despite his age, his visit to the club has stirred up excitement about what he could bring to the team in the future.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, acknowledged Páez's talent, mentioning his role in the Ecuadorian national team and describing him as a remarkable player with great potential.
Pochettino also drew comparisons to Argentine stars like Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria due to Kendry Paez's creativity and versatility in midfield.
"Of course, I know him. He is playing in the Ecuador national team", the coach said.
"He was the youngest to make his debut. I follow the national teams, I follow them in South America, he is our player and I know him very well. He is a great talent"
The 16-year-old wonderkid from Ecuador, likened to Messi for his left-footed skills, visited Chelsea's Cobham training ground before the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Newcastle, a match the Blues won on penalties.
Although Páez can't play for Chelsea until after his 18th birthday in May 2025, the £17.2 million signing from Independiente del Valle has caught attention for his exceptional rise.
He has a height of 5ft 9inches, he dazzles with body feints, precise touches, and an impressive ability to strike the ball.
Páez's rise to prominence was astronomical, as at just 15, he became the youngest debutant and scorer in Ecuador's top-division history.
The Ecuadorian's performance in the 2022 Copa Milo Final attracted scouts from major European clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United, and Borussia Dortmund.
Kendry Paez also captained Ecuador's U-17 team and setting records as the youngest goalscorer in the U-20 World Cup further elevated his reputation.
At just 16 years and 131 days old, Páez made his senior international debut for Ecuador, notching an assist and a goal in consecutive wins, setting records as the youngest Ecuadorian international and goalscorer.
His potential to surpass Diego Maradona's record as the youngest South American international player is imminent.
While comparisons to Messi arise, Páez prefers to forge his path, acknowledging Messi's greatness while emphasizing his development and need for experience.
Currently, he's improving his English oratory skills and will return to Independiente for 18 months before permanently joining Chelsea in 2025.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Paez expressed that he doesn't want to be compared to Argentine great Lionel Messi.
The youngster said: “I'm Kendry, I'm going to give the name to Ecuador. I'm going to continue being me, I don't want to be compared to Messi.
"Messi's very special, he's the best. I'm 16 years old, they cannot compare me with him, because I'm in a process.
“I have things to improve and [need to] gain a lot of experience."
His earliest possible appearance for Chelsea could be in the Club World Cup in the summer of 2025.
Despite the anticipation surrounding his future at Chelsea, his recent visit to the club offers a glimpse into the immense talent he embodies.