Biography
Who is Kendry Páez?
Early life and youth career
Ray Kendry Páez Andrade entered the world in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on May 4, 2007. At the age of five, he began playing football within the youth department of Barcelona's local side, Academia Alfaro Moreno. He subsequently spent time at Emelec before transitioning to Patria, where his role shifted toward playing more regularly as a forward on the pitch.
In the year 2018, Kendry joined Independiente del Valle at the age of twelve. His strong performances with their youth squad, including being recognized as the most outstanding player at the 2022 Next Generation Trophy held in Salzburg, Austria, drew considerable attention from various teams across Europe. European interest included a reported pursuit from German club Borussia Dortmund and an opening bid from English side Manchester United.
Professional club career
Kendry was promoted to the first team of Independiente del Valle for the 2023 pre-season when he was fifteen years old. On February 25, 2023, he made his professional debut in the Ecuadorian Serie A against Mushuc Runa, scoring the third goal in a 3-1 victory. By executing a chipped volley over goalkeeper Jorge Pinos, he secured his status as the youngest debutant and goalscorer in the Ecuadorian top flight.
On June 5, 2023, confirmation arrived that Kendry would transfer to Premier League club Chelsea following his eighteenth birthday in the summer of 2025. Following this, he experienced loan spells with French club Strasbourg starting on July 31, 2025, and later with River Plate beginning on January 31, 2026. His time at River Plate concluded when Chelsea terminated the loan agreement on August 28, 2026, after seven months due to a lack of regular playing time.
International career milestones
Kendry represented Ecuador at the under-17 level, scoring goals against both Argentina and Colombia during competition. He later joined the squad for the 2023 South American U-17 Championship, where he delivered an important assist during a draw against Brazil. He also participated in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup hosted in Argentina, becoming the youngest player in any tournament squad and scoring during a 9-0 victory over Fiji.
On September 12, 2023, Kendry made his senior team debut in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay, providing the assist for the winning goal scored by Félix Torres. This appearance made him the youngest player to represent La Tri and the second youngest South American in international football history behind Diego Maradona. On October 12, 2023, he scored his first senior goal against Bolivia, setting a record as the youngest goalscorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers at sixteen years and 161 days old. He was subsequently selected for the 2024 Copa América squad, where he scored a penalty against Jamaica, and was named to the roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Birthday and age
Kendry Páez was born on May 4, 2007, which makes Kendry 19 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Kendry shares the date with 57 other famous people.
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