Stade Rennais FC striker Esteban Lepaul has opened up about his past at Olympique Lyonnais and his departure from the academy. In an interview reported by Sport.fr this week, last season's Ligue 1 top scorer offered a perspective free of bitterness on this decisive career moment. Sport.fr first reported the story.
The 26-year-old forward was developed for five seasons at Lyon's youth academy. There, he played alongside the likes of Pierre Kalulu, Amine Gouiri, and Maxence Caqueret in the Youth League, forming lasting friendships. However, Lyon's directors ultimately decided not to keep him. "How did I react when I learned that OL was not keeping me? I simply say thank you," Lepaul stated. This positive philosophy guided the next steps of his journey.
Why does Lepaul thank Lyon?
For the player, this thank you is not only a polite phrase. It is an acknowledgment of the wake-up call the departure provided. "If I wasn't kept, there was a reason for it. I had to find it and get back to work," he added. This decision pushed him to redouble his efforts and prove his worth elsewhere, unafraid of having to drop down the levels. His path eventually led him to Stade Rennais FC, where he exploded last season.
What was his impact at Stade Rennais FC?
In the red and black of Stade Rennais FC, Esteban Lepaul became a key piece of the attack. His 2025-2026 season was highlighted by 21 goals in Ligue 1, a tally that earned him the league's top scorer title. This exceptional individual performance greatly contributed to the ambitions of the Breton club. Supporters can check his detailed statistics and those of the entire squad on our stats page.
Is a return to Lyon possible?
Asked about a potential return to the Groupama Stadium later in his career, Lepaul did not close the door. He mentioned the possibility with serenity, without making it an immediate objective. For now, his focus is entirely on his duties with Stade Rennais FC. The club currently holds an encouraging position in the league table, which you can follow on our standings page.
What's next for Stade Rennais FC?
Bruno Génésio's team is actively preparing for its upcoming fixtures. The schedule of future matches, available in our fixtures section, promises captivating challenges. Lepaul and his teammates will need to maintain their performance level to achieve the season's objectives. The striker, whose contract ties him to the club for several more seasons, remains a decisive asset in this quest. Stade Rennais FC's next outing is scheduled for Saturday at Roazhon Park.
