Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez has been warned about his conduct off the field by his national team head coach after he was involved in a second partying scandal this year.
Paez, who will sign for Chelsea in a £17.2million move once he turns 18 in May 2025, was at the centre of controversy that engulfed the Ecuador national team in March when its federation threaten to axe several senior stars for taking the then 16-year-old to a New York strip club during an international break.
Videos showed Paez attending the club with team-mates Robert Arboleda and Gonzalo Plata. His presence raised alarm due to the teenager being a minor, with the law banning anyone under the age of 21 from being present.
Ahead of Ecuador's upcoming international matches, head coach Sebastian Beccacece has seen fit to advise the rising star to temper his extra-curricular activities after he was reportedly caught partying in a nightclub again.
'I have experience with him. I rely on that, but I don't ignore what happens on social networks or at his club.' He is quoted as saying by Studio Futbol in Ecuador. 'It’s my responsibility to be aware.
'But my experience with him has made me empathetic. He is very talented, and he knows he must learn to handle this, especially now that he is sold to a club and is part of the national team.
'He has been important in day-to-day practices. He was significant when he came on against Brazil and stood out against Peru, hitting from outside and connecting well with Pervis. I would like him to play outside, but he can’t because of age restrictions. But I'm attentive to him, and he has been respectful to us.'
Earlier this year, footage of the players partying in New York emerged after Ecuador suffered a 2-0 friendly defeat by Italy.
Ecuador's national federation confirmed that players had been given free time following their win over Guatemala two days earlier.
The federation condemned the footage stating the images have gone against their 'values and principles', before warning players have risked future call-ups to the national team.
'Given the facts of public knowledge, the FEF expresses the following: The official delegation had free time on Friday, March 22, from 2pm to 8.30pm, a schedule that was fully complied with,' an Ecuador Football Federation statement read.
'Images of events contrary to the values and principles that we defend and promote as an institution have been disseminated, which will be the subject of analysis for future calls.
'We reiterate our commitment to Ecuadorian soccer.'
Chelsea agreed a deal for the talented youngster from Independiente del Valle in the summer of 2023 when he was only 16.
In October last year he became the youngest-ever South American to score in a World Cup qualifier – a goal assisted by future Blues team-mate Moises Caicedo.
As a left-footed midfielder-winger, Paez has drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria.
Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Manchester City and several other European clubs scouted him extensively before Chelsea secured his signature, with Paez continuing to learn English ahead of his arrival.