RC Lens winger Florian Thauvin has delivered his eighth assist of the Ligue 1 season after eight matches, establishing a record across the French top flight for the last twenty years, according to a report published by Foot Mercato.
The achievement surpasses the early-season assist totals recorded by Lionel Messi and Neymar during the 2022-23 campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. At the eight-match mark that season, both Messi and Neymar had each tallied seven assists.
Record-Breaking Start for RC Lens
Thauvin reached the eight-assist milestone during a match against Paris FC. Alongside his assist tally, the former Marseille player has also scored four goals in Ligue 1 play this season. Statistics released by Foot Mercato outline the comparison at the eight-game mark over recent seasons:
- Florian Thauvin (2026-27): 8 assists
- Lionel Messi (2022-23): 7 assists
- Neymar (2022-23): 7 assists
The French international has established himself as one of the main architects of the team’s good run, driving the team’s attacking output during the opening months of the domestic calendar.
Chasing the Playmaker Title
With eight assists and four goals already registered, Thauvin sits in position to contend for the individual playmaker crown in Ligue 1. The challenge for the winger remains maintaining his production levels across the remainder of the league schedule to solidify his place in the championship’s historical records.
🤯🇫🇷 FLORIAN THAUVIN FAIT MIEUX QUE MESSI ET NEYMAR ! Avec sa 8e passe décisive de la saison face au Paris FC, le Lensois établit un nouveau record en Ligue 1 sur les 20 dernières années ! ❤️💛
🎯 Le plus de passes décisives après 8 journées :
🥇 Thauvin (2026/27) : 8
🥈 Messi (2022/23) : 7
🥈 Neymar (2022/23) : 7🔥 Quel début de saison pour l’ancien Marseillais ! 👀 Thauvin peut-il terminer meilleur passeur de Ligue 1?
— Foot Mercato (@footmercato) October 24, 2026
RC Lens continues its Ligue 1 campaign with upcoming fixtures as Thauvin aims to extend his lead at the top of the assist rankings.
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