Johann Lepenant: Nantes’ Newest Attacking Standout

Johann Lepenant is making the most of his loan stint at FC Nantes as the 22-year-old garners more playing time than he had with Olympique Lyonnais. The midfielder has also assumed an attacking role with Les Canaris this season, and he’s been thriving in recent matches.

Lepenant made his professional debut in 2020 after coming up though Caen's youth academy. Afterward, he moved on to Lyon in 2022 and is now at Nantes to garner more playing time to continue his development.

Before the 2024-25 season, Lepenant received a confidence booster to show that his development is on the right path with a last-minute call-up to France's squad for the Summer Olympics in Paris.

Lepenant spoke with L’Equipe this month about how he felt about being asked to be part of the Olympic team and touched on his recent offensive output in matches.

"I was interning with OL, and since the Games were starting in just a few days, I had come to terms with not being a part of it. Then, the coach, Pierre Sage, called me. He mentioned he had spoken with Thierry Henry and asked if I wanted to join them for the Olympics. I jumped at the chance! I was so proud and happy because I honestly didn’t think it was going to happen."

In his last three matches, Lepenant has scored two goals and recorded one assist. The youngster’s production has helped Nantes (ten points) this season put themselves within striking distance of a UEFA Europa Conference League spot for next campaign as they trail Stade de Reims (14 points) by four points.

“I’ve had some good luck in the last two matches, so I’m happy about that. But the toughest part is being consistent. The coach (Antoine Kombouaré) has been positioning me a bit higher up the field and giving me more freedom. He encourages me to try new things and take risks, so I’m really focusing on improving my creativity in training.”

“I want to keep that part of my game because I know I need to win the ball back and help balance the team. I really enjoy doing that. But if I can add more forward runs and decisive plays, it’ll make me a more complete player.”

This season is all about growth for Lepenant and showing his potential, which he has done, and taking the next steps to be the latest high-profile young talent in Ligue 1.

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