Called up by Habib Beye for the trip to Metz, Elias Legendre Quiñonez (17) had the opportunity to discover what goes on behind the scenes. From the welcome song at the hotel to warming up with the first team. Four days later, the striker signed his first professional contract at La Piverdière.
Born in La Concordia, in north-western Ecuador, Elias arrived in Brittany at the age of 7 and played for CO Pacé before joining Stade Rennais F.C. Powerful and dynamic, the striker has been called up to the French U16 and U17 teams (2 goals in 2 matches) as well as the Ecuador U17 team.
First player from the 2008 generation to sign a professional contract
Last year, he was regularly selected by William Stanger for the U19 Nationals (18 matches) and the Gambardella Cup (4 appearances, including 84 minutes in the semi-final). This season, in August, the striker made his debut in National 3, scoring twice against Alençon. His progress continues with the signing of his first professional contract, which runs until 2029. Congratulations, Elias!
Elias Legendre Quiñonez :
« I am very proud to sign my first professional contract with Stade Rennais. It hasn't been easy every day in training and during matches to raise my level to meet the club's expectations. Turning professional has always been a goal in my mind. It's a dream come true, but I also know that it's only one step. I'm going to keep working hard so that one day I can make my debut with the professional team and score my first goal at Roazhon Park. »
Denis Arnaud, Director of Académie :
« I describe Elias' signing as a ‘contract of perseverance’ because he is a lad who has always hung on. He has worked hard and listened carefully to get to where he is today. It is also a reward for the Academy's project, with all the quality work done by the coaches at the football school, the pre-training and training programmes. Elias is a player with character, which is a strength for a striker, even if he needs to learn how to channel it. He is a player with good dribbling skills, great shooting technique and is very skilful in front of goal. He has also made a lot of progress in his defensive efforts, which is an important aspect of his development. The next step is to perform at professional level by putting his talent at the service of the team.»
