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- Kendry Páez Makes History in the Copa América at Just 17 Years Old
Kendry Páez Makes History in the Copa América at Just 17 Years Old
Ecuador's attacking midfielder, Kendry Páez, became the youngest goal scorer in the Copa América in the 21st century by converting a penalty at just 17 years and 53 days old, giving "La Tri" the lead against Jamaica in Las Vegas.
Last Saturday against Venezuela, Páez became the youngest debutant in the Copa América this century, and now he has added another record to his young career. The Independiente del Valle player scored a left-footed penalty in added time of the first half in Ecuador's match at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Páez capitalized on the tournament's first penalty, which has seen nineteen goals so far.
He surpassed the record of Costa Rica's Joel Campbell, who scored in the 2011 Copa América at 19 years and 12 days old, according to data from the specialized platform Besoccer.
Records are piling up for this talented left-footed attacking midfielder, who in Santa Clara (California) against Venezuela broke the record of Paraguayan Julio Enciso, who debuted in 2021 at 17 years and 143 days.
Additionally, Páez is the youngest debutant in the history of the Ecuadorian national team, surpassing a legend like Felipe Caicedo (18 years and 296 days in a 2007 match).
The youngest ever goal scorer in Copa América history is Colombian Johnnier Montaño, who scored at 16 years, five months, and 17 days old.