Stade Rennais striker Estéban Lepaul has publicly declared his ambition to earn a call-up to the French national team. The 26-year-old, currently Ligue 1's joint-top scorer with 17 goals this season, made the comments in an interview with French television programme Téléfoot, which is set to end its run this summer.
Lepaul stated that representing France would be the pinnacle of his career. "The French national team is a dream for anyone," he said. "If I had the chance and the honour to one day represent it and sing La Marseillaise, that would be the holy grail." He added, "I think there is nothing higher than a selection for the French team, so like many people, it is part of my dreams, and the World Cup is the summit."
The forward's prolific form for Rennes this campaign has naturally sparked discussion about his international prospects. Born in France, Lepaul has been a consistent performer in Ligue 1 for several seasons, but his current goal tally represents a career-best output. His comments come ahead of a crucial derby match against FC Nantes this weekend, where he will look to further bolster his case.
Didier Deschamps, the France manager, is known for rewarding players who show strong and consistent domestic form, with previous call-ups for players like Wissam Ben Yedder and Moussa Diaby following similar trajectories. The competition for forward spots remains fierce, with established stars like Kylian Mbappé, Olivier Giroud, and Randal Kolo Muani currently in the frame, alongside other in-form contenders such as Alexandre Lacazette.
For Rennes, Lepaul's ambition underscores his importance to the club and his continued development. His goals have been central to their push for European qualification this season. While his public declaration of a France ambition is a personal milestone, it also serves to highlight his value in the transfer market, with his contract situation and long-term future likely to become subjects of increased speculation, especially if he maintains his current scoring rate.
International breaks later this year, ahead of UEFA Nations League fixtures and the final build-up to the 2026 World Cup, will be the next key moments to watch for any potential inclusion. For now, Lepaul's immediate focus remains on delivering for Rennes, with his performances directly influencing any future national team considerations.
