On the eve of the official announcement of the World Cup squad, a rumour is particularly catching attention: Esteban Lepaul, a 26-year-old midfielder playing for Stade Rennais, could be included in Didier Deschamps' group. Lionel Charbonnier, former goalkeeper and consultant for But Football Club, is betting on this inclusion, which would constitute a real surprise.
A dramatic turn in the composition of the French squad
Esteban Lepaul's name has not yet been mentioned in current discussions surrounding the French national team. However, this 26-year-old player has established himself as an important part of Stade Rennais. According to information gathered by But Football Club, Lionel Charbonnier is seriously considering Lepaul's presence in Deschamps' final squad. This hypothesis goes against classic expectations, where more media-hyped or experienced names are favoured.
Lepaul's potential call-up could reflect a strategy of renewal or a search for a specific profile by the national coach. This choice would be part of a desire to bring freshness to the midfield, by banking on a player capable of providing tactical balance and versatility. Furthermore, his high-level experience with Rennes, a club regularly involved in European competitions, strengthens the credibility of this option.