“We see Jhoanner’s arrival as an opportunity. He will need some time to adapt, as he hasn’t been playing regularly for a longer period. From day one he will join full training, and we want him to show his strengths as quickly as possible and get into the right rhythm. He is an Ecuador international with the attributes required for top-level football, and we see strong potential for his further development. In terms of profile, he is a left-footed defender who is athletic, quick and physical, capable of covering the entire left flank thanks to his balanced defensive and offensive game,” says sporting director Tomáš Rosický.
Born in eastern Ecuador, Chávez spent his youth career at one of the country’s biggest clubs, Independiente del Valle. Therefore, until January 2023, Quito became home for the young defender. It was a highly successful period in which he won the Ecuadorian league title, the domestic cup, and two Copa Sudamericana trophies, the second most prestigious club competition in South American football.
In October 2022, Chávez made his debut for the Ecuador national team in a friendly against Iraq. He then moved to Salvador in Brazil to join Esporte Clube Bahia. A turbulent year followed, with Chávez spending the spring in Brazil and the autumn back on loan at Independiente. In January 2024, he made the move to Europe.
The then 21-year-old defender was signed by French side Lens, runners-up in the previous Ligue 1 season. Chávez went straight into the starting lineup before a calf injury slowed him down in March. He entered the 2024/2025 season fully fit again and scored his only goal for Racing Club in the second league match, against Stade Brest – our opponent from the Champions League league phase.
At the beginning of 2025, Chávez suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Since then, he has not appeared in a competitive match for the yellow-and-red side, featuring only in one Ecuador friendly away to Mexico. Now, the still only 23-year-old defender is ready to further develop his potential in our jersey.
We look forward to seeing you on the pitch, Jhoanner!
