Ray Paez

Exceptionally gifted Ecuadorian attacking midfielder from Guayaquil who became the youngest debutant and scorer in Ecuadorian top-flight history. Signed by Chelsea in 2025, he has 26 senior caps and became the second-youngest scorer in Copa América history.

Páez emerged at Independiente del Valle, making his professional debut at age 15 in February 2023 and becoming both the youngest debutant and youngest goal-scorer in the Ecuadorian top flight. His remarkable early form attracted attention from top European clubs, and Chelsea announced an agreement to sign him in June 2023, with the transfer completing upon his 18th birthday in 2025.

Since joining Chelsea he has been developed via loan placements at Strasbourg and River Plate. He made his Ecuador senior debut on 12 September 2023, starting a 2–1 World Cup qualifier win over Uruguay and providing the decisive assist — becoming Ecuador's youngest-ever international. He scored twice at Copa América to become the second-youngest scorer in that tournament's history.