Lepaul pre-called by Zidane for his first France squad

Estéban Lepaul is on the verge of receiving his first France call-up. According to RMC Sport information published Wednesday, the Stade Rennais striker has received a pre-call for the squad Zinédine Zidane will unveil Friday, September 18 at the FFF headquarters at 6 p.m.

Lepaul, with 21 Ligue 1 goals last season — the league’s best tally — has confirmed his level in this early part of the campaign with three goals in just a few matches. Trained at Olympique Lyonnais without ever playing professionally there, the Rennes number 9 stands out for his movement and positioning sense, a pure finisher profile that the French national team does not currently possess in its squad.

Didier Deschamps had never included him in his lists, even in pre-selection. Zidane, appointed manager on July 28, appears ready to take the step with his first call-up. Recently asked about the squad announcement date, Lepaul replied with calculated restraint: “Yes, I know it, that’s all.”

The context works in his favour. Jean-Philippe Mateta, victim of a muscle injury ten days ago, is unavailable with Crystal Palace. Marcus Thuram, who started in Real Madrid-Inter in the Champions League without being decisive, sees his place in the national team weakened after unconvincing performances in the France shirt.

For the rest, Zidane should rely on the attacking core inherited from the 2026 World Cup: Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, Rayan Cherki, Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. The Blues will play four Nations League matches between September 21 and October 6, against Turkey, Belgium (twice) and Italy.