Florian Thauvin leads Lens back into the Champions League

Florian Thauvin will have a central role as RC Lens return to the Champions League, with the experienced winger expected to help a young squad handle its first major European test. Lens begin their campaign away to Slavia Prague on Thursday, three years after their previous appearance in the competition.

The 33-year-old has not played in Europe since December 2020, when he was part of Marseille’s Champions League campaign. That experience ended with five defeats and one victory, but Thauvin now views his return as recognition for the work that followed his departure from France. He moved from Marseille to Tigres UANL, later joined Udinese and signed for Lens in the 2025-26 season.

Thauvin has played 32 European matches across the Champions League and Europa League. That record makes him one of the most experienced players in Lens’ squad, and his task will extend beyond his work on the right wing. He is expected to provide composure and confidence to teammates with little or no experience at this level.

Lens reached the competition after an outstanding previous season and are entering a revised Champions League format with ambitions beyond simply taking part. For Thauvin, the opportunity also represents a second chance to approach the competition with greater maturity after the difficult Marseille campaign.