Moisés Caicedo: Everything You Need to Know About Chelsea and Ecuador’s Midfield Star
Moisés Caicedo currently has quickly become one of the most influential midfielders in the Premier League. His £115 million move from Brighton to Chelsea in the summer of 2023 was one of the most talked-about transfers in English football, and the Ecuadorian has since established himself as a cornerstone in Chelsea’s rebuilding project.
A Record-Breaking Arrival at Chelsea
Chelsea’s decision to break the bank for Caicedo highlighted their determination to reshape the midfield after years of inconsistency. His arrival was met with huge expectations, and despite the team’s mixed fortunes, the Ecuadorian has consistently stood out with his ability to recover possession, distribute the ball with accuracy, and inject drive into Chelsea’s attacking transitions.
Still only 23, Caicedo has already shown the maturity and quality needed to become a leader at Stamford Bridge.
Early Life and Background
Born on November 2, 2001, in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, Moisés Isaac Caicedo Corozo grew up as the youngest of ten siblings. Football was his passion from an early age, though resources were scarce. In the Mujer Trabajadora neighbourhood, he honed his skills on scrubland pitches where piles of stones marked out the goals.
Caicedo’s first pair of football boots were bought by his youth coach, Iván Guerra, who also covered his travel and food expenses whenever games took him to other cities. At just five years old, he joined Guerra’s soccer school and spent seven years developing his craft, eventually earning a place in a regional select XI.
Initially a forward, Caicedo gradually transitioned into midfield—a move that would shape his career.
The Path to Professional Football
At 13, Caicedo joined Colorados Jaipadida, a feeder club for ESPOLI, and even trained with ESPOLI’s senior team before the club’s relegation closed the door to professional football. Trials with Mushuc Runa and Barcelona SC followed but financial struggles forced him to return home.
His breakthrough came when one of his brothers introduced him to Independiente del Valle, a club renowned for its academy. Caicedo passed the trial and never looked back.
Club Career
Independiente del Valle
Caicedo’s progress at Independiente was halted by a cruciate ligament injury in 2017, but after 10 months out, he returned stronger. He captained their youth team to victory at the 2019 Copa Mitad del Mundo in Spain and made his senior debut later that year.
By 2020, he was considered one of the best young players in South America, even playing in both a Serie A clash against LDU Quito and the U-20 Copa Libertadores final against River Plate in the same week.
Brighton & Hove Albion
In February 2021, Caicedo joined Brighton on a four-and-a-half-year deal. After a short loan at Belgian side Beerschot, he returned in January 2022 and quickly became a fixture in the Seagulls’ midfield.
His performances drew interest from top clubs, with Arsenal making a £70m bid in January 2023. Though Brighton rejected it, Caicedo went on to win both Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season for 2022/23.
Record Move to Chelsea
In the summer of 2023, Chelsea and Liverpool entered a bidding war for Caicedo. Liverpool agreed a £111m fee with Brighton, but Chelsea outbid them with an offer worth up to £115m, setting a new British transfer record.
On August 14, 2023, Caicedo signed an eight-year contract at Stamford Bridge, with an option for an extra year.
In his first season, he won Chelsea’s Goal of the Season (2023/24), underlining his ability to contribute beyond his defensive duties.
International Career with Ecuador
Caicedo made his Ecuador senior debut in October 2020 against Argentina. Later that year, he scored his first international goal in a 4-2 victory over Uruguay.
He was part of Ecuador’s 2022 FIFA World Cup squad, scoring a crucial equaliser against Senegal in the group stage. Though Ecuador failed to progress, Caicedo’s performances highlighted his importance on the international stage.
Achievements
- Independiente del Valle U20: U-20 Copa Libertadores (2020)
- Individual:
- Brighton Player of the Season (2022–23)
- Brighton Players’ Player of the Season (2022–23)
- Chelsea Goal of the Season (2023–24)
- Contributed to Chelsea 2025/26 Conference League anf Fifa Club World Cup Win
Salary, Net Worth and Endorsements
- Chelsea Salary: £150,000 per week
- Estimated Net Worth: £2 million+
- Endorsements: Nike boot deal and promotional campaigns
His Chelsea contract marked a significant pay rise from the £60,000 per week he earned at Brighton.
Personal Life
Caicedo has been in a long-term relationship with Paola Salazar, a model and influencer. The couple have been together since their teenage years, and Salazar was present during Caicedo’s unveiling at Chelsea. Despite his private nature, Salazar has built a strong following on social media, with more than 100,000 Instagram followers.
From humble beginnings in Santo Domingo to becoming the most expensive player in British football history, Moisés Caicedo’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. His resilience, versatility, and quality make him not only a key figure for Chelsea but also a source of pride for Ecuador.
As Chelsea aim to return to the top of English football, Caicedo’s role in midfield will be central to their ambitions.
Moisés Caicedo: Everything You Need to Know About Chelsea and Ecuador’s Midfield Star
