Last night saw Chelsea youngster Kendry Paez make history as he represented his country, Ecuador, at senior level for the very first time.
Only Argentina legend Diego Maradona has featured for a South American side at international level at a younger age than the 16-year-old.
While he fell just short of that record, he did manage to beat fellow great, Pele, in registering an assist at the youngest ever age in South American football.
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Paez was part of a midfield three that started in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Uruguay last night.
While he is not actually part of the Chelsea squad yet, he was joined by potential future teammate Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park.
Despite going a goal behind, they got their first points on the board with a 2-1 victory over Marcelo Bielsa’s side.Paez breaks Pele’s record
After the opening goal was set up by Caicedo, Paez made history as he drilled a brilliant cross in from the left that was tapped home from close range.
This moment saw him become the youngest player in South American football to register an assist for their country, and it only complimented a very strong first outing.
Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images
Chelsea will not be able to utilise the player they spent £17m on for another couple of years, however last night was just more proof of the serious talent they have on their hands.
The match capped off a strong day for the Blues representing their countries, with Enzo Fernandez also finding the net against Bolivia.
With goals elsewhere this week from the likes of Cole Palmer, there is a bit more optimism about the side returning to Stamford Bridge ahead of the Premier League return.
