Moises Caicedo, di Chelsea midfielder, dey hope to inspire di next generation of Ecuador players for di World Cup, just like enner Valencia inspire am 12 years ago.
Caicedo dey part of Ecuador side wey dey play dia fifth World Cup, and only once dem don pass group stage. Dat one happen 20 years ago for 2006, wen Germany host, and na Germany be dia final group opponent dis time.
However, na di 2014 World Cup for Brazil wey Caicedo remember as inspiration, even though Ecuador no pass group stage. Dat year, striker Enner Valencia score all three Ecuador goals, and e make big impression on Caicedo.
Now, Caicedo and Valencia na teammates, wit Valencia as captain for dis World Cup. Caicedo tok say: ‘I remember dat moment because e special for me – now I want to motivate di young players to keep doing di right things to reach where I be.’
Caicedo add: ‘Now I dey play alongside Enner Valencia for national team after I watch am for dat World Cup. For me, he be idol; I dey learn plenty from am. To be honest, I dey excited to play my second World Cup alongside am.’
Caicedo journey start from humble beginning for Santo Domingo, Ecuador. According to childhood friend Jeremy Cedeño, Caicedo used to play barefoot for neighborhood tournament, and dem even win plastic trophy.
Cedeño recall: ‘There wasn’t even referee. Oh my god, dem really dey go at am.’ Caicedo still show dat same smile wen e lift Club World Cup wit Chelsea for 2025, wit Ecuador flag wrap around im waist.
Caicedo transfer from Brighton to Chelsea for €116 million set record for English football for 2023. E don sign seven-year contract extension and dey key player, wit 31 appearances dis season, 3 goals and 1 assist.
Caicedo na youngest of ten siblings, and dem sell flower for cemetery to help family. E don become di most expensive Ecuador player, start for national team at 18, and don play 60 matches (3 goals).
For im hometown, Caicedo face dey on murals, jerseys, and even shin guards of children wey dream to follow im footsteps. Nine-year-old Julian Hidalgo admire Caicedo intelligence and speed, and dey train under same coach Ivan Guerra.
Ivan Guerra tok: ‘We remember say Caicedo start for dis football school, di pitch na mud, pebbles, sand wit sometimes glass. We teach di kids to work hard if dem want achieve dia dreams.’
Guerra see Caicedo first time playing for street wit friends, and e help guard car for festive district to earn money for club.
Darwin Castillo coach Caicedo for Jaipadida club, and e remember shy boy wey stand out for fierce will and unique physical attributes. Castillo say: ‘Moisés discipline come from im upbringing at home. From small, e always want become professional footballer while remaining humble boy wey no forget where e come from.’
Caicedo spend im holidays for Ecuador, go beach, ride Ferris wheel, kick ball wit former coaches and friends, to become dat little boy wey lift plastic trophies.
Ecuador face Germany for 9pm UK time on Thursday, and dem need win plus Curacao victory over Ivory Coast to finish top two for Group E. If dem draw, dem go wait to see if dem be one of di eight best third-placed sides.
