Estéban Lepaul
REN
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.
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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