Mezian Mesloub makes Champions League history with Lens at 16

Mezian Soares Mesloub became one of the youngest players from a French club to appear in the Champions League after helping Lens beat Slavia Prague 3-2.

The 16-year-old, who was 16 years and 306 days old, marked his debut in Europe’s leading club competition with an assist.

According to Stats Foot, Mesloub is the third-youngest player to represent a French club in the Champions League. He is behind Rayan Cherki, who made his competition debut for Olympique Lyonnais at 16 years and 102 days, and Warren Zaire-Emery, who first played in the tournament for Paris Saint-Germain at 16 years and 231 days.

Mesloub’s appearance represents an important step in the early development of the Algerian-born player, whose potential had already attracted attention at Lens.

His current valuation also reflects the interest surrounding him. Transfermarkt estimates Mesloub’s value at 500,000 euros, a figure that could change as he continues to progress at the highest level.

Lens will next face Le Mans in the fourth round of the French championship.