Lens found a Champions League match turning against them in Prague, then found a 16-year-old capable of changing its direction. Mezian Soares Mesloub came on with his side 1-0 down to Slavia in the 61st minute and helped drive a late 3-2 comeback that put his name into the competition’s record books.
Mesloub sparks Lens comeback against Slavia
The Martigues-born teenager, born on 8 November 2009, replaced Franjo Ivanovic and operated from the right despite being naturally left-footed. In little more than half an hour, his direct running, dribbling and inventive passing unsettled the contest.
Mesloub played a key part in Sima’s 73rd-minute equaliser before producing the defining delivery. In the 91st minute, he picked out Florian Thauvin near the penalty spot, allowing the forward to head in Lens’s second goal as the French club completed its late recovery.
Quick facts
- Mezian Mesloub entered in the 61st minute with Lens trailing Slavia 1-0.
- Lens recovered to win 3-2, with Thauvin scoring from Mesloub’s 91st-minute assist.
- At 16 years and 306 days, he became the third-youngest Champions League debutant for a French club.
- He created four chances, completed one of two dribble attempts and delivered five balls into the area.
- Only Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, with two, and Mesloub, with one, have registered a Champions League assist before turning 17.
The No. 38 created more chances than any other Lens player on the night. His four opportunities created, combined with his willingness to demand possession, made an immediate impression on a European stage where his physical resemblance to Yamal has already brought comparisons.
Coach Dino Toppmöller praised the teenager’s fearlessness. “It is remarkable to show that much character and personality at 16, to say that he wants every ball,” he said. “We knew he could make a difference and I have great faith in him. He had already made a good impact at Strasbourg.”
Ruben Aguilar said Lens knew what Mesloub could offer but would handle his development carefully. “He made an incredible entrance. We know his talent and we are going to look after him properly,” the defender said.
Matthieu Udol added that the youngster’s contribution had been visible in training before it reached the Champions League. “We see his quality every day. He helped us enormously when he came on and he was decisive. It will give him confidence, and I hope he can keep producing in the league because he can help us get positive results.”
A rapid rise and an international decision
This was not Mesloub’s first instant impact for Lens. On his Ligue 1 debut against Nantes, a 1-0 win, he scored the decisive goal just five seconds after entering the match. He also celebrated Coupe de France success with the club last season.
His football lineage runs through Algeria. His father, Walid Mesloub, won seven caps for Algeria and played for Lens between 2018 and 2020.
The young attacker, who can play as a winger, attacking midfielder or central midfielder, now faces an international choice. Born in France, he is also eligible for Portugal through his mother’s roots and is already involved with Portugal’s under-17 side; Algeria remains another option through his father.
For now, the immediate European fact is clear: a 16-year-old arrived with Lens behind, created the pressure for a rescue, and left Prague with an assist that placed him alongside Yamal in a rare Champions League age bracket.
SEO title: Mezian Mesloub inspires Lens comeback in Champions League
SEO description: Lens teenager Mezian Mesloub made Champions League history with an assist in a late 3-2 comeback against Slavia Prague.
