Mezian Mesloub has become the youngest player to start a match for Portugal Under-21s, making history at the age of 16 years, eight months and 22 days.
The Racing Club de Lens winger achieved the milestone in Portugal’s 4-0 win over Gibraltar on Wednesday, completing a remarkable rise that has seen him attract attention in Ligue 1, the Champions League and now at international level.
Mesloub’s record-breaking appearance came only a short time after his first senior start for Lens. Having made an impact as a substitute against Le Mans, he was named in the starting line-up for the meeting with AS Monaco, which Lens lost 2-1, before the international break.
His progress had already accelerated during the club’s European campaign. Mesloub came off the bench against Slavia Prague in the Champions League and immediately impressed with his confidence and technical ability. He also provided the assist for Florian Thauvin in Lens’ 2-1 victory.
That performance helped establish the 16-year-old as one of the early revelations of the season, despite Lens having won only once in their first five Ligue 1 matches.
Lens have nevertheless produced some notable results, including a 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Trophee des champions. The club also secured their Champions League win against Slavia Prague, with Mesloub’s display making a particularly strong impression.
His form did not go unnoticed in Portugal. The Portuguese Football Federation moved quickly to involve the youngster with the Under-21 side, handing him an opportunity to make history in his first appearance at that level.
Starting against Gibraltar, Mesloub became the youngest player ever to begin a match for Portugal Under-21s. He now holds the record ahead of every previous player to represent the national team at that age group.
The Lens winger was given a warm reception when he was substituted, with the Portuguese crowd acknowledging an appearance that had already secured its place in the team’s history. Mesloub was lively, inventive and fearless in possession throughout his time on the pitch.
At 16, the player of Algerian origin has now established himself on another stage after his rapid emergence with Lens. His record as Portugal Under-21s’ youngest starter may be the first of several milestones in his career.
Lens are due to face Lyon in the sixth round of the French league shortly.
