Mezian Soares Mesloub chooses Portugal Under-21s despite interest from France and Algeria

Mezian Soares Mesloub has been called up by Portugal Under-21s, giving the clearest indication yet of his international preference despite also being eligible for France and Algeria.

The 16-year-old RC Lens midfielder, who was born in Martigues to former Algeria international Walid Mesloub and a Portuguese mother, has attracted growing attention after making a strong breakthrough at club level.

Mesloub made his Ligue 1 debut late last season under Pierre Sage, scoring on his only league appearance. He has continued to progress this term and has already featured three times.

He also provided an assist as RC Lens came from behind to beat Slavia Prague 3-2 on the opening matchday of the UEFA Champions League group stage.

His performances have increased competition for his international services. On Friday, Portugal Under-21 manager Luis Freire selected Mesloub for upcoming matches against Bulgaria, Gibraltar and the Czech Republic.

According to Afrik-Foot, Freire has spoken directly to the player and his parents to explain the Portuguese federation’s plans for him. Mesloub has already represented Portugal at Under-16 and Under-17 level.

Contact between the player’s representatives and Portugal has intensified over the past two months, while France has also made a determined effort to persuade him to join their setup. Algeria have likewise approached his family in an attempt to convince him to represent the Fennecs.

For now, however, Mesloub has opted to continue with Portugal.

Should he appear during the forthcoming international window, he would become the third-youngest player in Portuguese football history to make his Under-21 debut. Only Fernando Chalana and Diogo Costa would have done so at a younger age.

Portugal Under-21s are unbeaten in their European Championship qualifying campaign, with six wins and one draw from seven matches. They have scored 28 goals and conceded none.

Their immediate target is to secure qualification during the next international gathering before pursuing the European title in June and July in Albania and Serbia.

Portugal have never won the Under-21 European Championship and are placing significant faith in this generation as they seek to end that wait.

Mesloub’s decision represents a commitment to that challenge, although it does not formally end his international options. He remains eligible to change allegiance in the future, but his latest call-up provides a significant indication of his current intentions.