Algeria Eyes RC Lens Wonderkid Mezian Mesloub: FAF Launches Bid to Recruit 16-Year-Old Star

Federation Moves Fast on Dual-National Prospect

With his stock rising rapidly on the continental stage, the FAF has stepped up efforts to secure the youngster’s future at the senior international level. According to reports cited by DZfoot, federation leadership recently reached out to the player’s father, Walid Mesloub. The discussions centered on the possibility of the young midfielder choosing to represent the Greens.

The outreach forms part of a broader, preventative strategy by Algerian football authorities to identify and engage high-potential binationaux early. Born in France to an Algerian father and a Portuguese mother, Mezian Mesloub currently holds options across three different national teams. While he has previously featured for Portugal in youth categories, including the U16 and U17 squads, he remains fully eligible to represent both France and Algeria.

Rapid Rise at RC Lens and European Impact

The urgency from national federations follows a series of high-impact performances for RC Lens. Late last season, the left-footed midfielder scored the decisive goal against Nantes to secure Lens’s qualification for the Champions League, finding the back of the net on his very first touch merely five seconds after entering the match.

That momentum carried directly into the current European campaign. During a UEFA Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague at Fortuna Arena, Mesloub entered as a second-half substitute and delivered a crucial assist during a 3-2 comeback victory. His composure under pressure drew praise from Lens manager Dino Toppmöller, who highlighted the teenager’s character and fearlessness on the pitch.

“It’s incredible at 16 years old to show this character, this personality, to vouloir tous les ballons,” Toppmöller remarked after the match. “We knew that he is a player capable of being very decisive, I believe very strong in him.”

Upcoming Meetings and Strategic Project Presentation

The next critical phase in the player’s international future is expected to take place following the upcoming international window. According to reports from WinWin, Algeria national team coach Brahim Hemdani has scheduled a face-to-face meeting with Mesloub and his family.

During the sit-down, federation officials plan to outline the long-term sporting project for the senior national team and clarify the specific developmental pathway envisioned for the midfielder. Given that Walid Mesloub is a former Algeria international who earned seven caps and previously coached his son within the RC Lens Espoirs, family counsel is widely expected to play a decisive role in the final decision.

What Comes Next

Mezian Mesloub and RC Lens return to domestic and European club action over the coming weeks as the player balances club commitments with mounting international interest. Meanwhile, the FAF prepares for its scheduled meetings following the international window to pitch its sporting vision directly to the player and his family.