Kendry Páez honored as a legend by former club Independiente del Valle

Kendry Páez, who recently left Independiente del Valle for Chelsea, made a visit to his former club's facilities. The Ecuadorian talent, who debuted for Independiente at 15, was greeted warmly by staff and players at the club's high-performance center.

During his visit, Páez walked the familiar pitch, received a current-season jersey with the number 16, and was presented with a card by Independiente del Valle, officially recognizing him as a club legend. The club shared images and a video of his return, emphasizing that "legends always return home."

Páez played 70 matches for Independiente between 2023 and mid-2025, scoring 13 goals and providing six assists. His professional debut came in 2023 with a goal against Mushuc Runa. His last match for the club was in the 2024 league final against Liga de Quito.

Following his move to Chelsea in mid-2025, Páez was loaned to Racing Strasbourg in France to adapt to European football. However, he later moved to River Plate, where he also struggled to establish himself in the first team. His participation in the 2026 World Cup saw him play only a brief substitute appearance against Mexico. With his future uncertain, Páez is currently without a club and seeking a new team to relaunch his career.

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Legends always return home.