In Lens, where the northern French club has returned to Europe’s largest stage, Mezian Mesloub is being handled as carefully as he is being watched. The 16-year-old forward has already supplied moments that suggest a player moving unusually quickly through the game, from a decisive Ligue 1 debut to an impact in the Champions League.
Left-footed and bold in isolated duels, Mesloub has become one of the striking young figures in the Lens squad. His ability to disrupt a defence with the ball at his feet has prompted comparisons with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, although those around the player are wary of loading too much expectation onto him.
Quick facts
- Mesloub is 16 and has signed his first professional contract with Lens this European summer.
- He scored five seconds after entering for his senior Lens debut against Nantes last season.
- His winning goal against Nantes sealed Lens’ return to the Champions League.
- He assisted Florian Thauvin in Lens’ 3-2 Champions League win over Slavia Prague.
- Born in France to an Algerian father and Portuguese mother, he can represent France, Algeria or Portugal.
- He has already appeared for Portugal at under-16, under-17 and under-21 level.
Mesloub’s first senior goal came almost immediately after he was sent on in the second half against Nantes last season. Five seconds after stepping onto the pitch, he scored the winner in a result that confirmed Lens’ place in the Champions League.
He has carried that confidence into the 2026-27 European campaign. Introduced during the second half of the 3-2 victory over Slavia Prague on matchday one, Mesloub created Florian Thauvin’s goal and became one of the youngest players ever to register a direct goal contribution in the competition.
Lens have not allowed the early attention to dictate their planning. Mesloub now works solely with the first team, but the club are closely managing his playing time because of his age and physical development.
Those who have followed him closely point to more than dribbling. He is seen as a forward with calm decision-making, imagination and an eye for the efficient choice in the final third. One observer described a player who relishes one-on-one contests, appears quicker in possession than without it, and is unafraid to take responsibility for the ball.
The Yamal parallels have emerged because both players favour direct running and can accelerate beyond their years into elite football. Their physical resemblance has also been noted, but the message around Mesloub is that he needs room to establish his own identity rather than carry another teenager’s label.
His international future adds another layer to the story. Mesloub was born in France, while his family connections make Algeria and Portugal eligible options. For now, Portugal have his commitment at youth level and are working to keep it.
He first joined Portugal’s youth set-up in May last year at a UEFA Development Tournament. Since then, he has played three times for the under-16s, six times for the under-17s and twice for the under-21 side.
At under-21 level, Mesloub became the youngest player both selected and named in a starting line-up. He has scored twice across Portugal’s youth teams, once for the under-16s and once for the under-17s.
Portugal’s technical director Óscar Tojo has highlighted Mesloub’s desire to represent the country alongside his technical quality, creativity, intensity and enthusiasm for football. He characterised the youngster as reserved, highly skilful and unpredictable.
Tojo acknowledged that other national associations are interested, but said Mesloub and his family place considerable value on Portugal, where he was given an opening before his wider breakthrough. The family’s emotional connection to Portugal has been described as strong, and the player is said to enjoy the environment within the national set-up.
Lens next host Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday, with kick-off scheduled for 13:45 Brasília time. For Mesloub, it offers another possible step in a season already stretching from the terraces of Lens to an international decision involving three countries.
