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No one could say they weren’t warned. And we’re not just talking about the fact that Paris Saint-Germain were undeniably fragile in defence when they drew 2-2 with Rennes on Sunday, especially after a limited preseason.
Rather, it was about the value of Esteban Lepaul in front of goal. The Rennes striker had already made his mark last season in Ligue 1, when he stood out as the league’s top scorer with 21 goals.
In an era where it seems a striker must meet above-average physical standards- meaning over 185 centimetres tall - the number nine for the Breton side is proving exactly the opposite. His unique mobility is paired with excellent timing when entering the box and striking. His outstanding finishing also highlights his excellent coordination.
Anyone can try to shoot, but only a select few can put the ball where the goalkeeper has the least chance of reaching it. And the 26-year-old attacking leader of Franck Haise’s team has started his season as Ligue 1's reigning top scorer, reminding everyone that last year was not just a one-off.
Inspired against the champions
However, his exploits in front of goal stand out for another reason: Lepaul always seems to be at his best when facing PSG. In the last three seasons, he has scored once each year against the French and European champions.
And his brilliant finish last season was the highlight of Rennes’ 3-1 win over the Parisians. His determination reaches its peak when he faces the champions of everything in France and Europe.
He stayed in Brittany to honour the bond with a city that adopted him, and the Auxerre native now wants to achieve the toughest thing at the highest level: consistency.
With a season that will also see his team compete in the Europa League, he’ll have a great chance to make a name for himself beyond France, too.
Gifted with solid technical skills, he’s also a player who can link up play and move the ball quickly. In last weekend's draw with PSG, his range of movement was wide, showing his tactical intelligence.
Inner strength driving Lepaul forward
His warrior spirit was also forged by an event that marked his youth. In 2020, after just being released by Olympique Lyonnais, the club where he grew up, the striker lost his father in a car accident.
It was his decision to turn off the machines keeping his father, Fabrice, alive when only his heart was still functioning. From that moment, his career became a constant test.
COVID-19 stopped the whole world, but not his desire to live and win. After a spell at Epinal in France’s fourth division, he made his breakthrough first with Angers and then with Rennes in the top flight.
The diminutive striker finished the 2025/26 Ligue 1 season with 21 goals, only three of which were penalties, and five assists.
Now, his breakthrough has been definitively confirmed. And not just because of his third goal against PSG, scored with a precise shot that showcased his composure in high-pressure moments. The aura around him is that of a player who has reached great heights but knows he can go even further.
Today, his market value is around €35 million. But how much could he be worth in January after the first months of this new season? Europe’s top clubs are already keeping a close eye on this striker who emerged from a unique tragedy for someone so young - and who found the strength to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.