Tri is aiming to replicate its World Cup qualification run, boosted by one of the world’s fittest football players in its squad.
Next Thursday, September 7, Argentina and Ecuador will kick off their South American 2026 qualifiers at a landmark venue. An intense showdown awaits the reigning world champions and the three-time qualifiers, underscored by the presence of a World Cup participant who has become a standout star. Among the many top talents, the Ecuadorian prodigy Moses Caicedo stands out.
Caicedo, a midfielder born in 2001 and currently 21 years old, has shown a dramatic rise in football excellence and now competes at one of England’s most prestigious clubs. His journey began with Independiente del Valle, a club renowned for developing Ecuador’s footballing talent. There he captured the Copa Libertadores Sub-20 and quickly earned a place in the first team, leaving a mark in his early appearances.
Historically linked with Brighton & Hove Albion, the club that has often invested in South American talent by acquiring players at modest costs and selling them for substantial profits, Caicedo was signed in early 2021 for about €4.5 million. After a brief spell, Beerschot in Belgium brought him back in January 2022, where he delivered a standout season. He earned the Player of the Month honor within months and subsequently was named Player of the Year, cementing his reputation as a rising star.
That momentum continued as Caicedo soon attracted interest from big clubs. Ahead of the 2023-2024 season, Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea pursued the Ecuadorian card with determination. London clubs finally secured the deal for a record sum, making Caicedo one of the most expensive reinforcements in Premier League history.
For the Ecuadorian national team, Caicedo became a key figure. His first appearance came in October 2020 in a 1-0 loss to Argentina, and his first goal followed shortly thereafter in a 4-2 victory over Uruguay. At a young age, he has already competed in the Copa América and the FIFA World Cup, contributing to Ecuador’s ongoing World Cup qualification efforts and continental campaigns.
There is no doubt that Moisés Caicedo is among the most promising footballers worldwide. The entire country regards him as a symbol of hope and ambition, eager to see him continue to excel at club level and, especially, on the international stage.