Portuguese U17 international, he becomes the hero of RC Lens from his first ball

RC Lens may have its new nugget. Coming into play on Friday evening against FC Nantes, Mezian Soares had a dream debut in Ligue 1 by giving the Sang et Or… victory on his very first ball.

Still unknown to the general public a few hours ago, the young 16-year-old player appeared at the best time to allow the northern club to win in a crucial meeting in the title race.

A first ball… and a first goal

The Lensois came on in the 78th minute as his team pushed to find the opening against Anthony Lopes’ Nantes. Just a minute later, Mezian Soares blew up the stadium.

Served in the area, the Portuguese U17 international unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot to beat the Portuguese goalkeeper of the Canaries. An achievement full of composure for a player who was playing the first seconds of his professional career.

The young striker celebrated his goal with emotion, surrounded by his teammates, in a scene which will inevitably remain memorable for Lensois supporters.

A talent with Portuguese roots

The name Mezian Soares is not unknown to observers of Portuguese football. Son of former Algerian international Walid Mesloub, the player has Portuguese origins through his mother and already represents Portugal with the U17s. He has been considered for several months as one of the great hopes of the Lens training center.

With this decisive goal, he has just reached an important milestone and could quickly gain playing time in the professional group.

Lens continue de rêver, Nantes rellégué

Thanks to this victory, RC Lens officially validates its qualification for the next Champions League and remains three points behind PSG in the title race, even if the Parisians still have one game less.

For Nantes, on the other hand, this defeat has dramatic consequences. The club is officially relegated to Ligue 2 after this new disillusionment.