Mezian Soares Mesloub: Lens teenager making an early impact on and off the pitch

At just 16, Mezian Soares Mesloub is already attracting significant attention in French football. The RC Lens youngster has made an immediate impression with his performances, while his family background and international eligibility have added further interest to his emergence.

Born in November 2009, Soares Mesloub has progressed rapidly through the Lens system. In May 2026, aged 16, he scored against Nantes with his first touch in professional football, just seconds after coming on as a substitute. His goal helped Lens secure qualification for the Champions League.

He made another notable contribution in a 3-2 victory over Slavia Prague. That appearance made him the youngest player in RC Lens history to feature in a Champions League match. He also provided an important assist, underlining a level of maturity that has drawn comparisons with young talents such as Lamine Yamal.

Following in his father’s footsteps

Football has long been central to the Soares Mesloub family. Mezian is the son of Walid Mesloub, the former Algeria international who played for RC Lens and captained the club between 2018 and 2020.

That connection means the teenager has grown up close to a club where his father played a prominent role. Mezian joined Lens’ La Gaillette academy at the age of nine and has continued his development within the club’s youth structure.

His progress has given him the chance to establish his own reputation at Lens, while also following, in his own way, the path previously taken by his father.

Three possible international destinations

Soares Mesloub’s national-team future remains undecided. He was born in Martigues, France, to an Algerian father and a Portuguese mother, giving him three possible international options.

For now, he represents Portugal at under-17 level. However, he has not yet committed his future to a senior national team, leaving both France and Algeria monitoring his development and potentially hoping to persuade him to choose their colours.

That eligibility makes him a player attracting interest beyond France as he approaches a decisive stage in his international career. His current value is estimated at 500,000 euros by Transfermarkt.

Lens are next due to face Le Mans in their fourth match of the French championship. The betting company 1xbet lists Lens as the favourites at 1.61, with a draw priced at 4.10 and a Le Mans victory at 4.70.