Kendry Páez Nets First Goal in France, Aims for Bigger Role at Strasbourg

Kendry Páez made headlines by scoring his first goal for Racing Strasbourg in their 3-2 win against Paris FC on Matchday 5 of the French league. The 18-year-old midfielder from Ecuador found the net in the 27th minute, heading in a well-placed cross after a smooth team play, and celebrated enthusiastically with his teammates.

The match began with both teams evenly matched, but Strasbourg soon took control with more pressing and better ball handling. Belgian winger Diego Moreira sent a precise cross from the right, and Páez calmly directed his header past the goalkeeper. In a halftime interview with the official Ligue 1 channel, Páez expressed his joy, stating, “I’m very happy to contribute to this group even though I haven’t played much yet. I’m here to do many things and this first goal with such an important club means a lot.”

Strasbourg ultimately secured the three points in a competitive match, and Páez emphasized his dedication to the coach’s tactics: “We tried to play the way the coach asks us to, creating chances to finish with a better result.”

Páez is adjusting well to European football after a tough final period with Independiente del Valle and a time at Chelsea, where he won the Club World Cup. Now in France, he is eager to make his mark in one of the world’s top leagues. Strasbourg views him as a key asset for the future, and his first goal indicates he is ready for the challenge.