At 16 years and 306 days, Mezian Soares Mesloub became the third-youngest player from a French club to appear in the Champions League after making his debut for RC Lens.
The teenager featured in Lens’ 3-2 victory over Slavia Prague and made an immediate impact by providing an assist. His appearance places him among the youngest players to represent a French club in Europe’s premier club competition.
According to data from Stats Foot, Mesloub is third in the rankings. Only Rayan Cherki and Warren Zaire-Emery were younger when they made their Champions League debuts.
Cherki first played in the competition for Olympique Lyonnais at 16 years and 102 days, while Zaire-Emery was introduced by Paris Saint-Germain at 16 years and 231 days.
Mesloub, who is of Algerian origin, has now taken a significant step in his early career after making his mark at the highest level of European club football. His performance against Slavia Prague further underlined the potential that has already attracted attention at Lens.
That interest is also reflected in his current estimated value. Transfermarkt places Mesloub’s valuation at 500,000 euros, although that initial figure could rise quickly if he continues to progress at the top level.
Lens will soon return to domestic action, with their next fixture coming against Le Mans on matchday four of the French championship.