Estéban Lepaul
REN
Remains sidelined against Strasbourg
Lepaul has been ruled out for Sunday's Ligue 1 clash against Strasbourg as he continues recovering from an ankle sprain, according to coach Franck Haise, per Francois Rauzy of Ici Armorique.
Analysis: Lepaul will miss his second consecutive match after suffering an ankle sprain during last weekend's league encounter, having already been ruled out of Thursday's European clash against Juventus. The forward remains Rennes' only confirmed absentee ahead of Sunday's matchup against Strasbourg, with coach Haise indicating that he is still not fit enough to resume competitive action. The coach was also unable to provide a recovery timeline, leaving Lepaul's availability for upcoming fixtures uncertain. His absence represents a significant blow to Rennes' attacking setup, as he currently leads Ligue 1 in goals this season. Boulaye Dia should remain the leading candidate to replace him up front while he continues his rehabilitation.
Out for UEL action
Lepaul (ankle) is out for Thursday's match against Juventus, according to Francois Rauzy of ICI Armorique.
Analysis: Lepaul was in doubt for Thursday after he suffered an ankle injury over the weekend and will carry the injury past Thursday's match, as he will not be an option. It is still unknown how long the league's leading goal scorer will be out, as a clear medical report has yet to be released. In the meantime, Boulaye Dia or Eliezer Mayenda will look to start at forward in his place.
Still in doubt
Lepaul (ankle) is a doubt for Thursday's trip to Juve, Ouest France reports.
Analysis: Lepaul underwent scans on his ankle and the results were very encouraging. That said he still remains in doubt for Thursday's clash after coming off in the league. The forward scored three times before coming off injured against Paris FC at the weekend.
Likely to miss UEL game
Lepaul (ankle) has limited chances of recovering in time for Thursday's Europa League clash with Juventus after coach Franck Haise said "Knowing him, if he goes out in the extra time, at 3-3, and in a highlight for us, because he tells me that he can't, I don't see how in the very short term, and Thursday it's very short-term, he could play," Franck Le Dorze of L'Equipe reports.
Analysis: Lepaul got hurt after scoring three times from the penalty spot during the weekend matchup versus Paris FC. The new Ligue 1 scoring leader is now at risk of facing an extended absence while the full extent of his injury continues to be assessed. The issue could be a major blow to the squad, with Boulaye Dia and Eliezer Mayenda available to take his place in the starting lineup.
Nets hat-trick, finishes injured
Lepaul scored three goals on four shots (three on target) in Sunday's 4-3 loss to Paris FC before exiting with an ankle injury, according to Alsa Sports.
Analysis: Lepaul would have himself a night Sunday, as the forward would find the back of the net on three occasions despite the loss, now leading Ligue 1 in goals with his seven. However, it was not all good, as the forward would not end the match on the field, leaving late into the game due to an apparent ankle injury, leaving Rennes with 10 men on the field after all five substitutions were already used. The initial reports don't seem good for the forward as they await further testing, already uncertain to face Juventus on Thursday. This would obviously be a crucial loss, with Boulaye Dia or Eliezer Mayenda as other options at forward.
Rediscovers goal-scoring touch
Lepaul scored one goal to go with five shots (three on goal) in Sunday's 4-1 victory against AJ Auxerre. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 59th minute.
Analysis: September was not for Lepaul. Despite his efforts in three appearances, he did not score a goal before the month ended and an international break carried into October. Sunday marked Rennes' first game back from the respite, and Lepaul scored what is now his fourth goal (with 13 shots on target) in six appearances this season.
Makes first start for France
Lepaul made his first start for France in Monday's 1-0 win over Belgium, and could have scored in the first half off a cross from Desire Doue.
Analysis: Lepaul is off to an excellent start with Rennes this season, scoring three times in five Ligue 1 appearances, adding 19 shots and four chances created. His debut start for the national team now gives him a chance to build on that form on the international stage and secure a backup role behind the starters, Kylian Mbappe or Ousmane Dembele depending on who plays as the number nine.
Converts late penalty
Lepaul scored two goals while taking six shots (four on goal) and creating two chances during Sunday's 3-2 win over Le Mans.
Analysis: Lepaul bookended the match with goals in the 5th and 96th minutes, the second from the penalty spot to claim all three points for Rennes. The forward is off to an excellent start to the season with three goals to go along with eight shots and two chances created through the opening two matches of the campaign.
Scores in season opener
Lepaul scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Paris Saint-Germain.
Analysis: Lepaul doubled the lead in the 38th minute, finishing Przemyslaw Frankowski's cutback from close range following a well-worked counter attack. The forward finished with two shots (one on target) but saw fewer opportunities after halftime as his side came under increased pressure. Lepaul recorded 20 goals and five assists across 32 Ligue 1 appearances last season, and his finishing ability and role as the focal point of the attack should give him plenty of opportunities to remain productive this campaign.
Scores hat trick in friendly
Lepaul scored a hat trick in Sunday's 3-3 friendly draw with Galatasaray, the club posted.
Analysis: Lepaul is in great shape heading into the new season and will be focused on claiming back to back Golden Boots in Ligue 1 after winning last season's award with 21 goals, a breakout campaign that included seven goals in the final seven matches. He recently signed a contract extension through 2030, and this hat trick is an early sign that he could pick up right where he left off as one of the division's most dangerous strikers heading into 2026/27.
Signs extension with Rennes
Lepaul signed a one-year contract extension with Stade Rennais, extending his stay at the club through 2030, the club announced.
Analysis: Lepaul delivered one of the most impressive individual seasons in Ligue 1 this campaign, claiming the top scorer award with 21 goals including a stunning hat-trick against Strasbourg in November and an exceptional second half of the season that saw him net 12 goals including seven in the final seven matches. The Auxerre-born forward joined Rennes in August 2025 and wasted no time making an impression, opening his account just three days after his arrival against his former club Angers. He started all but one of Rennes' league fixtures throughout the campaign, demonstrating the consistency and finishing ability across multiple situations that made him one of the most dangerous strikers in the division. His contract extension reflects the club's determination to build around one of the most exciting attacking talents to emerge in French football this season.
Scores header in loss
Lepaul scored one goal to go with five shots (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-1 defeat versus Marseille.
Analysis: Lepaul pulled one back in the 84th minute of Sunday's season finale loss, ghosting in unmarked at the far post to power home Arnaud Nordin's right-sided cross past Geronimo Rulli for Rennes' lone goal of the match. He had already forced Rulli into action earlier with a first-half header and stood out as the visitors' most dangerous presence in the air all game long. Lepaul wraps up the Ligue 1 campaign with 20 goals, the top mark in the league that earned him the golden boot, capping off a breakout year after last season at Angers and setting the tone for what he'll aim to bring into the 2026/27 season with Rennes.
Scores header in victory
Lepaul scored one goal to go with three shots (three on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 win versus Paris FC.
Analysis: Esteban Lepaul scored an excellent header from a corner delivery, continuing his outstanding form. He has now scored in four consecutive league matches and is enjoying a season to remember with 20 goals and five assists in 33 appearances. His 38 shots on target place him among the league's top forwards, and he continues to show no signs of slowing down as the season progresses. Lepaul's next fixture will come against Marseille, who sit sixth in the table just one place below Rennes, making it a difficult matchup, though his recent form leaves plenty of confidence.
Scores and assists
Lepaul scored a goal while taking three shots (two on goal) and had an assist with his lone chance created during Sunday's 4-2 loss to Lyon.
Analysis: Lepaul set up Moussa Al Tamari in the 6th minute before scoring himself in the 48th while leading Rennes with his three shots. The forward is in excellent form at the moment with five goal involvements to go along with 12 shots, four chances created and four crosses over his last three starts.
Scores from the penalty spot
Lepaul scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Nantes.
Analysis: Lepaul scored the opener in the eighth minute from the penalty spot. This is his 17th goal of the season and his ninth in the last 11 games. These nine goals have come from just 12 shots on target. He took four shots in the game, making it three games in a row where he has taken at least four shots.
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