Elias QUIÑONEZ

Born in 2008, in La Concordia, Ecuador, Elias Quiñonez arrived in Brittany aged 7, and began his footballing journey with the Rennes-based amateur side, CO Pacé. At the age of 13, he joined the Stade Rennais Academy set up. The pacy and powerful Franco-Ecuadorean striker would soon impress the observers, and he would be called up to represent the French U16 and U17 sides, scoring twice in two matches for the latter. He was then called up to the Ecuador U17s. In the 2024/2025 season, the youngster made 18 apperances with the National U19 side, and played four matches for the ultimately victorious Rennes side, which went on to win the Coupe Gambardella (French FA Youth Cup), playing 89 minutes in the Semi-Final. Quiñonez made his debut with the Stade Rennais Reserve side in National 3 in the 2025/2026 season, notably bagging a brace against Alençon. His promising performances earned him the confidence of the First Team Manager, Habib Beye, who called him up to the Professional squad for the first time for the away win at FC Metz on 28th November 2025, even though he had not yet signed a contract. A few days later, on 3rd December 2025, Quiñonez penned his first professional contract, tying him to the Red and Blacks until 2029. Less than a week later, on 6th December 2025, he made his professional bow, coming on a substitute for his debut in the second half in a heavy defeat for the Red and Blacks at Parc des Princes against Paris Saint Germain (0-5). There wasn't a long wait, either, for his first goal in Rennes colours, scoring the Red and Blacks' third goal in a 3-1 win against Chantilly (played at Beauvais) in the Round of 32 of the French Cup on 11th January 2026, shortly after coming on as a substitute.