Attempting trail behind leaders Lyon, Hilton would have a problem, himself: injuries, but managed to overcome from the injury. However, in the 2007–08 season, Hilton appearance soon faded, making twenty-three appearance, mainly because of hip injury, which left him out for two months. Despite the injury, he scored twice in the season: against Valenciennes on 23 January 2008, and against Derby du Nord rival Lille, in a 2–1 win on 11 March 2008. In addition, Hilton earned the club's captain band in the absence of Yohan Demont. The 2007–08 was unachievable for the club as they faced Paris-Saint Germain in the Coupe de la Ligue Final, but lost 2–1. It couldn't get worse when the club was relegated to Ligue 2 after finishing 18th place. While at Lens, Hilton has established himself as a key figure at the heart of the rearguard and Hilton was named Trophées UNFP du football's Team of the Year: three times in 2006, 2007 and 2008.