Estéban Lepaul

Executive Summary

Estéban Lepaul is a centre-forward for Stade Rennais FC, born on 18 April 2000. He joined Rennes in August 2025 and became the reference point in attack. The 2025–26 campaign saw him score 21 goals and finish as Ligue 1 top scorer, followed by a first call-up to the France national team on 18 September 2026.

Playing Style and Key Attributes

Lepaul profiles as a predatory centre-forward with a sharp sense of timing in the box. Habib Beye described him as a real killer in front of goal, a judgement reinforced by his movement and willingness to attack the near post. Against Strasbourg he produced a complete centre-forward performance with a hat-trick: an opening goal from a deflected cross after throwing himself at the near post, a second by ghosting in at the back post to finish fine work from Kader Meïté, and a third first-time strike into the top corner from a Valentin Rongier pass. He is right-footed and operates as a traditional number nine, thriving on service and positional instincts. Rennes’ top scorer this season with eight goals, he is described as arguably their biggest revelation.

Career and Recent Context

Lepaul came through the Lyon academy after early youth spells at SR Colmar, moving from SR Colmar Jugend to Olympique Lyon U17 in January 2015 and progressing through Olympique Lyon U19 and Olympique Lyon B. He left Lyon in August 2020 for SAS Épinal in Championnat National 2, then moved to US Orléans in January 2021.

Transfers and Outlook

Lepaul is under contract until 30 June 2030. The rapid rise from a low-profile National spell to a Ligue 1 golden boot and international recognition places him firmly in the elite French forward bracket.