Kendry Páez professional controversies and career shifts

Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Páez faced scrutiny regarding his professional conduct during his tenure with the Argentine club River Plate. Initial tensions arose when Páez conducted a live TikTok stream during a match against Rosario Central, an act condemned by club officials and fans as a sign of disengagement. This incident occurred amid uncertainty regarding his future at the club, following his separation from the first-team squad.

Following his departure from River Plate, Páez returned to Independiente del Valle, where he was honored with “legend” status. However, further controversy emerged after River Plate was eliminated from the Copa Sudamericana by Independiente Santa Fe. A screenshot of an Instagram story featuring a clenched-teeth emoji was circulated on social media, which many interpreted as mockery of the club’s defeat. Páez denied the allegations, stating, “I have seen that a story is circulating on social networks that I supposedly published after the match and I want to clarify that such a publication never came from my account.”

His career has since been marked by rapid transitions and continued scrutiny. Following a 20-million-dollar transfer to Chelsea in 2023, Páez moved to Racing de Strasbourg before a subsequent arrival at River Plate, where reports indicate he has been training in isolation from the main group. Additionally, his involvement with the Ecuador national team has drawn intense public pressure. Despite recent difficulties, he was called up by coach Sebastián Beccacecelo to wear the number 10 jersey during a World Cup match against Mexico, an exposure that has led to significant criticism from fans and teammates.