A remarkable debut story unfolded at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Friday evening. Sixteen-year-old Mezian Mesloub, receiving his first-ever call-up to the RC Lens professional squad under manager Pierre Sage, made an immediate and unforgettable impact.
Just five seconds after stepping onto the pitch as a substitute, the young forward found the back of the net with his left foot. The goal marked his first touch in professional football, a moment of pure magic that sent the home crowd into a frenzy and left his family in the stands overwhelmed with emotion.
His father, Walid Mesloub, a former player for the club between 2018 and 2020 and now a coach in the youth academy, watched from the tribunes. The proud parent was visibly emotional and later shared his feelings with Ligue 1+ broadcasters.
"Today, I am very, very proud," Walid Mesloub stated. "I was already very moved by his call-up, seeing him on the pitch, stepping onto that grass. Honestly, I was not ready for it. I knew what he was capable of, but I did not think he would be this precocious."
The elder Mesloub emphasized the family's pride while also acknowledging the long journey ahead for his son. "We are very proud of him as a family. He has been rewarded, even though we know the path is still very long. We will support him as best we can," he added.
He also noted his son's ambitious nature, predicting that the teenager would already be looking forward to the next challenge. "Even he doesn't realize it yet, even though I know he is very ambitious. Starting tomorrow, he will want to move on to the next thing. We will congratulate him; it is exceptional," Walid concluded.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.