Esteban Lepaul, a 26-year-old French footballer, has achieved a remarkable feat by rising from the semi-professional league to the French national team in just three years. Lepaul's impressive performance as a goal-scorer has earned him recognition, with 21 goals and five assists in 32 league matches for Stade Rennais last season. His rapid ascent has drawn comparisons to players like Franck Ribéry, N'Golo Kanté, and Jonathan Clauss, who have also made the transition from relatively unknown players to international stars.
Lepaul's journey to the top began in the youth teams of Olympique Lyonnais, before moving to Épinal in National 2, where he scored five goals in eight matches during the 2020/2021 season. He then joined US Orléans in National, but struggled to make an impact, scoring only two goals in 27 matches over two seasons. However, his fortunes changed when he returned to Épinal, which had been promoted to National, and became the league's top scorer with 12 goals at the end of the first half of the season.
In 2023, Lepaul joined SCO Angers, which was vying for promotion to Ligue 1. He became a regular starter and scored three goals in 17 matches, helping the team secure promotion to the top division. During his first season in Ligue 1, Lepaul scored nine goals, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess and game sense. Angers extended his contract until 2028, but Stade Rennais was eager to sign him, eventually acquiring him for €13.5 million in the summer transfer window of 2025.
Lepaul's impressive form continued at Stade Rennais, where he scored 21 goals and provided five assists in 32 league matches. His performances sparked calls for him to be included in the French national team for the 2026 World Cup, but he was ultimately not selected by Didier Deschamps. However, his strong start to the 2026-2027 season earned him a call-up to the national team for the UEFA Nations League, with Zinedine Zidane naming him in his first squad.
Lepaul's call-up to the national team is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Born in Auxerre, he has had to overcome significant obstacles to reach this level. His inclusion in the team provides an opportunity for him to showcase his skills on the biggest stage and compete against top international players. The French national team has a rich history of producing talented players, and Lepaul will be eager to make a lasting impression.
Zinedine Zidane's decision to include Lepaul in the national team squad for the UEFA Nations League is a significant endorsement of his abilities. The team's matches against top European opponents will provide Lepaul with a chance to test himself against the best and gain valuable experience. With his goal-scoring record and versatility, Lepaul could become a valuable asset for the French national team in the years to come.
As Lepaul prepares to make his debut for the French national team, he will be aware of the expectations and pressures that come with representing his country. With his rapid rise from semi-professional to international player, Lepaul has already achieved something remarkable. His focus will now be on making a positive impact and contributing to the team's success in the UEFA Nations League.
Key points
- Esteban Lepaul's remarkable rise from semi-professional to French national team in three years.
- Lepaul's impressive goal-scoring record and versatility have earned him recognition and a call-up to the national team.
- Zinedine Zidane's inclusion of Lepaul in the national team squad for the UEFA Nations League is a significant endorsement of his abilities.
