Mesloub Soares called up by Portugal U21, France and Algeria on alert

Mezian Mesloub Soares was called up this week by Portugal’s U21 squad, joining a list that notably includes Dário Essugo, Diogo Sousa (Strasbourg), Afonso Moreira (Leverkusen), Rodrigo Mora (Roma) and Mateus Fernandes (Tottenham).

At 16, the RC Lens midfielder — who wears number 38 in Ligue 1 — has already established himself as one of the most closely watched talents of his generation. Born in Martigues, he holds triple French, Algerian and Portuguese nationality. His father, Walid Mesloub, represented Algeria seven times on the international stage; his mother passes on Portuguese lineage to him, which is why Portugal registers him under the name Mezian Soares.

Already a Portugal U16 and U17 international, the player has not yet locked down his international future. As long as he has not played an official match with a senior team, he retains the ability to change his international allegiance. France and Algeria therefore remain in contention, even if it is Portugal’s Federation that currently holds the advantage.

The call-up to this U21 squad, alongside players already transferred to major European clubs, confirms the upward trajectory of the Lens player and should accelerate the efforts of the competing federations.