Paco Esteban, the Spanish striker born in 2006, shared his exciting debut experience in Serie A and his future projects with Lecce's official channels. The youngster, who made the leap from the Primavera to the first team, recalled September 13, 2026, when he played for the first time in front of 25,000 fans at the Via del Mare Stadium, with the team achieving a victory. “It's a day that I will remember for the rest of my life,” he declared, underlining his gratitude towards the coach and the team for putting him on the field and seeing him win.
On 20 September, Esteban had his first match as a starter against Bologna. Despite the defeat, the player expressed satisfaction with the opportunity and recognized that the team must improve the details that make the difference in Serie A. “At home we deserved a point,” he added, highlighting the desire to grow and face the next challenges, including Sunday's match in Udine.
The role of coach Maurizio Di Francesco was fundamental to the development of the youngster. Esteban said he feels great trust from the coach, who follows him closely and encourages him to constantly improve. “If I miss a ball, I have to immediately think about the next one,” he explained, citing the importance of focusing on the next action. The club confirmed its trust in him with the renewal of his contract, a gesture that strengthened the bond between the player and the club.
Lecce is known for enhancing its youth sector, with numerous examples of promotions from the Primavera to the first team, such as González, Berisha, Dorgu, Burnete and Gorter. Esteban underlined how the club's culture, which rewards the work of young people, motivates him to give his best. “When you are in a club that believes in young people, you have a lot of motivation,” he said, highlighting the importance of working every day to reach the first team.
From a personal point of view, Esteban said that he found Lecce to be a welcoming city and that he received great support from the fans, who often stop him on the street and encourage him. His father, a former Spanish La Liga striker, was a fundamental point of reference in the young man's career. “My father is the person I'm here thanks to,” he said, recalling the advice and support he received from the beginning.
Looking to the future, Paco Esteban intends to continue to grow within Lecce, taking advantage of the experience of a young and ambitious squad. With the trust of the club, the manager and his own spirit of improvement, the young Spaniard is ready to contribute to the team's success in the current season and consolidate his position as the reference striker.