Belocian Scores First Career Goal As Leverkusen Loan Pays Off

Bayer Leverkusen loanee Jeanuël Belocian enjoyed a memorable afternoon in Spain on Saturday, scoring his first professional goal to help Racing Santander secure a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Espanyol Barcelona.

The 21-year-old French defender, who joined the Spanish club on loan in September, produced a spectacular equaliser in the 69th minute before Racing completed the turnaround with a late winner.

For the German side, the performance represents another encouraging step in Belocian's development after a difficult period marked by injuries and limited playing opportunities.

Belocian Scores A Stunning First Professional Goal

Racing Santander appeared to be heading towards defeat when Edu Expósito gave Espanyol the lead in the 62nd minute.

However, Belocian changed the course of the match just seven minutes later.

After receiving the ball outside the penalty area following an attacking move involving Racing's legend and ex-Real Madrid player Sergio Canales, the French defender unleashed a powerful left-footed strike that flew off the post.

It was a remarkable way to open his professional goalscoring account, particularly for a player whose primary responsibilities lie in defence.

The equaliser completely shifted the momentum, allowing Racing to push forward in search of a winner.

Their persistence paid off in the 84th minute when the Moroccan international, Yassir Zabiri, completed the comeback, securing an impressive 2-1 victory.

Belocian's contribution was therefore far more than a consolation goal. It was the moment that brought his team back into the contest and laid the foundation for three important points.

A Difficult Journey After His Serious Injury

Belocian's achievement becomes even more significant when considering the challenges he has faced over the past two years.

The Frenchman joined Bayer Leverkusen from Stade Rennais in the summer of 2024, arriving as one of the most promising young defensive talents in French football.

However, his development suffered a major setback in January 2025 when he sustained a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The lengthy recovery interrupted his progress and made consistent playing time increasingly important.

Belocian subsequently spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Wolfsburg before Leverkusen decided another temporary move would benefit his development.

In September 2026, he joined Racing Santander on a season-long loan, giving him the opportunity to gain experience in Spanish football.

Saturday's goal is another positive sign that the defender is rebuilding his confidence and rediscovering his rhythm.

Leverkusen Have Every Reason To Follow His Progress

When Belocian's move to Spain was announced, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes made the club's intentions clear.

The decision was designed to give the young defender the regular competitive experience needed to continue his development.

Belocian remains under contract with the German side until June 2029, meaning the Werkself still has a long-term interest in his progress.

Although one spectacular goal does not determine a defender's future, his growing involvement at Racing represents precisely the kind of development Leverkusen hoped to see.

At just 21, Belocian still has plenty of time to establish himself at the highest level.

His versatility, left-footed ability and experience across different European leagues could eventually make him a valuable option for Carles Martínez.

For now, however, the priority remains consistent performances and regular minutes in Spain.

After everything Belocian has experienced since his arrival in Germany, scoring his first professional goal and helping his team secure a comeback victory is a moment worth celebrating.

From here the stage only gets bigger.