Chelsea’s acquisition of 16-year-old Ecuadorian talent Kendry Paez in 2023 has ignited significant optimism, with football agent Manuel Sierra boldly predicting that the youngster could become a future Ballon d’Or winner. Sierra, the player’s representative, sees Paez as a unique talent on the pitch and envisions him reaching the pinnacle of individual football recognition in the coming years.
The Blues secured the signing of Kendry Paez in 2023 after fending off competition from several clubs. However, the young midfielder is set to continue honing his skills at Independiente del Valle until 2025, when he turns 18. Paez’s prowess on the field has drawn comparisons to Barcelona’s Lamine Tamal, positioning him as one of the standout 16-year-olds in professional football.
Chelsea’s deal for Paez, which could potentially amount to €20 million if certain performance criteria are met, underscores the club’s belief in his exceptional abilities. Manuel Sierra, in a conversation with AS, expressed his admiration for Paez’s talent and foresaw the teenager entering the Ballon d’Or conversation in the years ahead.
“I don’t know if we are going to have such a beastly talent in my life again like Kendry Páez. Today he is still at 50% of his chances, 60% of his chances,” Sierra remarked, emphasizing the immense potential Paez possesses.
He believes that with the right approach to professionalism, the young midfielder could not only be in contention for the Ballon d’Or but might even be on the verge of winning the prestigious award within the next six, seven, or eight years.
Sierra lauded Paez’s comprehensive skill set, asserting that the teenager has everything required to become one of the world’s footballing greats. Expressing confidence in their collaborative efforts, Sierra hopes that by July 2025, Paez will emerge as a pivotal player for Chelsea.
Kendry Paez has already had the opportunity to familiarize himself with Chelsea’s manager, Mauricio Pochettino, having spent time with the team in January. The teenager has also earned his first international cap for Ecuador, showcasing his potential alongside future Chelsea teammate Moises Caicedo. Additionally, Paez has found the back of the net while representing his country.
The high expectations surrounding Kendry Paez highlight Chelsea’s commitment to nurturing young talent, with hopes pinned on the Ecuadorian prodigy making a significant impact at Stamford Bridge in the near future. As he continues his development, Paez’s journey in professional football is poised to capture the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide.
