This Wednesday (24), Independence of the Valley It is Palm trees play in Ecuador, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the 3rd round of the group stage of the CONMEBOL Libertadores. The duel will have live broadcast via ESPN at the Star+.
To achieve a triumph over Verdão, the foreign team counts on the young striker Kendry Páezjust 16 years old, who is one of the great sensations of South American football.
Often compared to also early Endrickfrom Alviverde, Páez was promoted to the main squad at the age of 15 and made his professional debut in May last year, shortly after his 16th birthday, in a game against Corinthiansby Libertadores.
Even before appearing on the “adult” scene, however, Kendry was already attracting the attention of scouts from all over the world due to his great performances in Del Valle’s youth teams and, mainly, for Ecuador’s lower teams.
After playing very well in the under-17 South American Championship and in the under-20 World Cup last year, the winger has already been traded by Independiente to European football.
Like Endrick, who was sold to Real Madrid also at the age of 16, Páez ended up being bought by Chelsea, from England, on June 5 last year.
The deal was closed by US$20 million (R$ 102.65 millionat the current price), in another big bet by the Blues in young South American talents.
It was Del Valle’s biggest sale in its entire history.
Páez will only go to London after May 2025, when he turns 18. However, his introduction to the new team has already begun.
In December last year, he was invited to Stamford Bridge and watched the game between Chelsea and Newcastleon the quarters of English League Cupfrom the stadium stands.
On the occasion, he posed with an English team scarf and was greatly celebrated by the fans, already eager to count on the fast Ecuadorian striker.
In his debut season, the boy added 5 goals and 1 assistance in 29 matches for Indendiente. In 2024, there are two balls in the net and 1 assistance in 9 duels.
In Libertadores matches, Kendry is still looking for his first goal.
Absolute starter of the team led by the Argentine Javier GandolfiPáez impressed with his speed and dribbling in the 2-0 victory over San Lorenzofor the 2nd round.
On the occasion, he even “boomed” on social media by killing a ball from the top, as players like Neymar and Marcelo have done, in a move that “went viral” and traveled the world, leaving Chelse’s fans even more eager to have the jewel right at Stamford Bridge.
In September last year, the young man also made his debut for the Ecuador senior team, playing against Uruguayby World Cup 2026 qualifiersand even providing assistance to the defender Felix Torrestoday at Corinthians, score.
Upon entering the field, he became the 2nd youngest South American to play for his national team, surpassed only by one Diego Armando Maradona.
The 1st goal for Tricolor came in October 2023, against Colombiawhich made him the youngest to score goals in Conmebol qualifiers, at 16 years and 161 days.
Off the field, Páez was indirectly involved in a huge controversy recently.
After Ecuador’s friendly in the United States, he was taken by some veterans of the squad, such as the defender Arboledaof São Pauloand the steering wheel Cifuentesof cruise, to a nightclub, including filming inside the place.
The problem is that, according to North American laws, he could not have entered the club, as he is underage, which created a huge problem.
Because of this, the Ecuadorian press published that Arboleda should no longer be called up to defend the national team.
Where to watch Independiente del Valle x Palmeiras?
Independence of the Valley x Palm treesthis Wednesday (24), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), on CONMEBOL Libertadoreshe has live broadcast via ESPN at the Star+.
