Who is Estéban Lepaul? The Rising Star and "Dream" Debut of Zidane's New French Favorite

Estéban Lepaul has captured the attention of French football supporters following a standout club campaign and his first pre-selection to the national team by manager Zinédine Zidane, according to recent sports reports. The Stade rennais FC forward, who finished the 2025–2026 Ligue 1 season as the league’s top scorer with 21 goals, addressed the media in a widely covered press conference that highlighted his rapid rise and personal journey.

A Dream Realized at Clairefontaine

Stepping into the national team setup marks a major milestone for the young forward. According to reports from RMC Sport and Ouest-France, Lepaul described his arrival in the French squad as a waking dream, capturing the emotional weight of joining a group led by Zidane. The initial gathering at Clairefontaine also featured a video compiled by the new technical staff—which visibly moved the players upon arrival, as detailed by Le Figaro.

Carrying a Family Legacy

Behind Lepaul’s goalscoring success lies a profound personal history. According to reporting, Lepaul is the son of former professional footballer Fabrice Lepaul, a former AJ Auxerre player and member of the 1996 Ligue 1 championship squad. Fabrice Lepaul passed away on May 23, 2020, following a traffic accident in Baldenheim at the age of 43. Estéban has frequently spoken about honoring his father’s memory, noting that reaching Ligue 1 was a personal promise made after his father’s passing. Rather than viewing his surname as pressure, the Rennes striker has described it as a source of immense pride.

From the Lower Leagues to the Top Flight

Lepaul’s path to the national team setup involved considerable perseverance. After losing his father at age 20, he rebuilt his career with SAS Épinal, subsequently moving through Orléans before signing with Angers SCO during the winter 2024 transfer window, as outlined by the sources. His performances in Ligue 2 and subsequently Ligue 1 earned him a transfer to Stade rennais FC in 2025 for a reported fee of 13.5 million euros. Following a stellar campaign that yielded 21 goals and the league’s scoring title, Lepaul’s development culminated in his pre-convocation by Zidane on September 9, 2026.