# Estéban Lepaul career and national team recognition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/estban-lepaul-career-and-national-team-recognition
> Updated: 2026-09-19T17:40:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Stade Rennais striker Estéban Lepaul gained significant attention following a 2025-2026 Ligue 1 campaign where he finished as the league’s top scorer with 21 goals. This performance led to interest from several major European clubs, including Manchester City, Aston Villa, Atlético Madrid, Napoli, and Como, though Rennes expressed intent to retain the player.

Following his club success, Lepaul received his first call-up to the France national football team by manager Zinédine Zidane. His selection and subsequent comments expressing pride in representing his country and affection for French culture triggered social media backlash, with some users labeling his patriotic sentiments as political extremes. Lepaul has since discussed his preparations for joining the national squad, noting his intention to use music during traditional initiation rituals to assist his integration.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-19: Estéban Lepaul faces controversy after France national team call-up

Stade Rennais striker Estéban Lepaul faces social media backlash after expressing patriotic pride following his first call-up to the France national football team.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/estban-lepaul-faces-controversy-after-france-national-team-call-up

### 2026-09-09: Estéban Lepaul attracts interest from major European clubs

Following a 21-goal Ligue 1 season, Stade Rennais striker Estéban Lepaul is attracting interest from clubs like Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, though Rennes intends to retain him.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/estban-lepaul-attracts-interest-from-major-european-clubs-1

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Cite as: Estéban Lepaul career and national team recognition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/estban-lepaul-career-and-national-team-recognition