In Maribor, between a goalless European night against Sturm Graz and Saturday’s trip to Lyon, Rennes had a reason to pause. Estéban Lepaul’s name appeared in Zinédine Zidane’s first France squad, handing the 26-year-old striker a maiden senior international call-up after a season in which he finished as Ligue 1’s leading scorer.
Zidane selected 23 players for his opening list as France coach, and Lepaul’s inclusion was greeted warmly inside the Rennes camp. A club video showed his team-mates celebrating the news, with Brice Samba among those sharing the moment despite missing out himself. The goalkeeper had been France’s second choice behind Mike Maignan at the World Cup but was not retained for this squad.
Rennes sporting director Loïc Désiré said Lepaul had been waiting without certainty. “He hoped for it, but he had no information, so there may have been some anxiety and nerves in recent days,” Désiré said. “Now there is relief, but also the desire to finish strongly for his club before the break, starting at Lyon, and then take on this new challenge.”
Lepaul’s route to the national team has not been straightforward, but Rennes believe the call-up reflects the way he has advanced step by step. “We are delighted for him,” Désiré added. “His path has not been easy, yet he deserves what he has earned. He takes each stage as it comes. He ended as the top scorer in Ligue 1, and this is a huge source of pride.”
Seven graduates underline Rennes academy strength
Lepaul’s breakthrough was not the only Rennes connection in Zidane’s selection. Seven players developed by the club were named in the France group, a figure that could represent a record for the Breton academy.
Alongside established internationals Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé and Eduardo Camavinga, the list also includes Jérémy Jacquet, Adrien Truffert, Andy Diouf and Lucas Da Cunha. Diouf and Da Cunha made only limited first-team appearances for Rennes before their careers took them elsewhere, but both remain products of the club’s development system.
“Their journeys have not all been the same, but it shows the standard of Stade Rennais’ academy over many years,” Désiré said. He credited the work of the club’s coaches, recruitment chief Philippe Barraud and academy director Denis Arnaud for helping build a production line now strongly represented in Zidane’s first France squad.
