Esteban Lepaul revels in first France call-up as Zidane sets tone | OneFootball

Esteban Lepaul celebrated his first France call-up under new head coach Zinedine Zidane, savouring training ground service from the icon and an emotive history film that set the mood for camp.

He voiced pride at a maiden press conference at Clairefontaine. According to Goal.com, he was welcomed by goalkeeping coach Fabien Barthez before reuniting with former academy team-mates.

After scoring 21 league goals last season, finishing as the 2025-26 Ligue 1 top scorer convinced him he belonged at international level. He wants minutes and to contribute throughout this window.

Any nerves vanished once work began with Zidane, as Lepaul relished practising his finishing from the manager’s passes. He stressed a desire to make a real contribution rather than simply watch on.

Zidane also staged a meeting around a video charting France’s heritage, aiming to instil a badge-defending culture in a reshaped group. Lepaul welcomed it, saying players must grasp the responsibility of the two-star shirt.

He enters the window intent on a first senior France goal if the chance comes, confident in his off-ball work and readiness. Les Bleus face four competitive fixtures in 14 days, after which he plans to return to Rennes with the same ambition domestically.

Source: Goal.com

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