In a cozy, stylish restaurant in London’s Sloane Square, the atmosphere was festive as Moisés Caicedo joined friends to celebrate a significant milestone—his first goal for Chelsea.
It had been a stunning long-range strike against Bournemouth in the final game of the Premier League season, and his friends had the goal replay queued up on their phones, eager to show it to him again. But Caicedo, in a Chelsea tracksuit and ever-humble, seemed a bit shy about all the attention. While others toasted with cocktails, he quietly sipped a glass of water.
In from the moment it left his boot. 🚀#CFC | #MUNCHE pic.twitter.com/mdh12iJykh
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 3, 2024
That bashful demeanor is classic Caicedo—Chelsea’s humble superstar. His reserved nature is as notable as his skills on the pitch, and his quiet celebration speaks volumes about his grounded personality. Even when he scored his second Chelsea goal, a brilliant volley against Manchester United on his 23rd birthday, he took it all in stride. It’s clear that his heart lies more with family than with fame.
In fact, Caicedo and his girlfriend, Paola Salazar, are expecting their first child soon. Balancing his professional career with personal milestones, he keeps family close to his thoughts. Those who know him well at Chelsea have seen qualities reminiscent of N’Golo Kanté—another grounded, hardworking midfielder. The comparison is fitting, as Caicedo shares the same humble drive that endeared Kanté to Chelsea fans.
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The journey that led Caicedo to Chelsea has roots in a recommendation from Antonio Valencia, former Manchester United and Wigan Athletic winger. Years ago, Chelsea’s sporting director Paul Winstanley and director of global recruitment Sam Jewell, then working at Brighton, received a tip-off from Valencia to check out a promising 15-year-old in Ecuador. Intrigued, they made several trips to Ecuador to scout Caicedo, getting to know both his talent and his character.
In February 2021, Winstanley and Jewell succeeded in signing Caicedo for Brighton. But it wasn’t an easy path; Caicedo’s early years were filled with obstacles. At 13, he joined a local team, Colorados Jaipadida, but struggled financially, even missing out on a trial at Mushuc Runa due to his family’s inability to afford food and board. Later, a knee injury during a trial with Independiente del Valle almost shattered his dreams.
Joining Brighton marked the start of a new chapter, though he faced challenges acclimating to a new language and culture. A loan to Belgian club Beerschot left him homesick, and he often called family, tearfully contemplating giving up and going home. But with resilience honed through a tough childhood as the youngest of 10 siblings, Caicedo persevered, even learning English through classes Brighton arranged. Today, he still invites his former teacher, “Matt,” to watch Chelsea games.
Caicedo’s chance finally came during the 2021-22 season when a teammate’s injury opened a spot in Brighton’s starting lineup. He shined so brightly that Brighton sold Yves Bissouma to Tottenham Hotspur, making Caicedo a first-team regular. Though Arsenal came calling with a substantial bid in January 2023, Caicedo’s dream had always been to play for Chelsea, following in the footsteps of his idol, Kanté.
It was clear that Chelsea was where Caicedo wanted to be. While Arsenal eventually shifted their attention to Declan Rice, Chelsea maintained their pursuit, seeing Caicedo as the ideal fit for their team. Beyond skill, Caicedo’s financial expectations matched Chelsea’s wage structure better than Rice’s, making him an even stronger candidate.
Chelsea finally signed Caicedo for a British record fee of £115 million. Though Liverpool made a last-minute bid, even reaching out through former teammate Alexis Mac Allister, Caicedo stood firm on his Chelsea commitment. His desire to play at Stamford Bridge was unwavering.
The move was marked by emotional challenges, including concerns for his family’s safety in Ecuador due to the country’s rising violence. Chelsea flew his mother to England to ease his fears and even offered security. Though conditions have improved, the reality of his family’s vulnerability weighs on Caicedo, adding depth to his journey.
Reflecting on past challenges, Caicedo drew strength from memories of his difficult days in Belgium. His persistence has paid off, and since February, his performances have been nothing short of stellar. His unforgettable goal against Bournemouth was a fitting close to his first Chelsea season.
While Cole Palmer has enjoyed the spotlight, many believe Caicedo has been Chelsea’s most consistent player. Chelsea insiders say he’s practically irreplaceable to head coach Enzo Maresca. Playing alongside Romeo Lavia or as a classic No. 6 with Enzo Fernández, Caicedo adapts seamlessly and continues to elevate Chelsea’s midfield.
With his mix of physicality and skill, Caicedo embodies Chelsea’s vision for the future. Like Kanté before him, he lets his performances do the talking. And though he’s more comfortable in the shadows, Chelsea’s newest humble hero may have to get used to being celebrated as a superstar in his own right.
