Zidane calls Benfica target up to the France squad | OneFootball

At 26 years old, Estéban Lepaul received his first call-up to the France national team. The striker saw his dream come true after an outstanding 2025/26 season, in which he finished as Ligue 1’s top scorer with 21 goals over 34 matchdays.

Lepaul’s name, it should be remembered, was linked with Benfica during the last transfer window. The forward was even included on the Eagles’ list of potential reinforcements, as they considered the possibility of moving for his signing.

According to L'Équipe, the French international’s profile was highly appreciated by José Mourinho, former Benfica coach, who was looking to increase the options available in attack for the Reds. However, there was a significant obstacle to completing the deal: Rennes’ financial demands.

The French club was not willing to make the striker’s departure easy, especially after a season in which Lepaul established himself as one of the team’s main attacking references. Now, his debut for the French national team adds another chapter to the journey of a striker who remains on the radar of European football.

Last season, between Rennes and Angers, the attacker played 37 official matches — 34 in Ligue 1 and three in the Coupe de France. In 2,884 minutes on the pitch, Lepaul recorded 21 goals and five assists, numbers that help explain the player’s rise in value, with his current market value standing at €35 million.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.