Portugal’s push threatens France as Lens star Mezian Mesloub looms

After Ayyoub Bouaddi opted for Maroc, the French Football Federation now watches another RC Lens prodigy, Mezian Mesloub, potentially slip away. The 16‑year‑old winger, who signed his first professional contract in July 2026, stunned Nantes on 8 May by scoring five seconds after coming on, securing Champions League qualification for Lens.

The comparison with Ayyoub Bouaddi is hard to avoid. In May, the midfielder trained at LOSC chose Maroc after captaining the France Espoirs. That switch highlighted the French Football Federation's difficulty in retaining dual‑national youngsters. The Football community notes how quickly allegiances can shift.

From Lille to Lens: a youth pathway

Mesloub arrived at the Gaillette at nine and progressed through the academy. He signed his first professional contract with Lens in July 2026 after a striking Ligue 1 debut. At only 16, he earned his first start in Ligue 1 against Monaco. LENS continues to nurture him at the club level.

On 8 May he netted five seconds after entering against Nantes, delivering direct Champions League qualification. He later proved decisive in the Champions League tie with Slavia Prague. These exploits have made him a symbol of the new “Made in Gaillette” generation.

International tug‑of‑war over the winger

The winger already represents Portugal at youth level, having played eight matches for the U16 and U17 sides. Portugal has now called him up to its Espoirs, accelerating his international trajectory. He also remains eligible for Algeria through his father Walid Mesloub, who earned seven caps for that nation. Both MEZIAN and MESLOUB appear in Portuguese scouting reports.

For the FFF, the situation mirrors Bouaddi’s earlier defection. Lens has nurtured a talent that now attracts multiple federations, prompting the FFF to consider a faster response. Portugal’s swift promotion of the 16‑year‑old sent a clear signal that it will not wait.

While Lens continues to develop the prodigy at Bollaert, the battle for his future international shirt has already begun. The French setup must decide whether to accelerate its courting of the youngster before other nations cement his allegiance.