Franco Mastantuono has wasted no time making headlines in Spain. The highly rated Argentine midfielder, who recently joined Real Madrid, spoke to Cadena SER about his early days in the Spanish capital, his adaptation, and the inevitable comparisons with Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. And in a refreshingly honest moment, Mastantuono didn’t hesitate to praise his rival.
“Who is better, me or Yamal? Today, it’s Lamine. He’s showing an incredible level currently,” the 17-year-old admitted, offering a candid assessment that highlights both his humility and awareness of the current football landscape. Yamal’s rise at Barcelona has been meteoric, and Mastantuono appears unfazed by the comparisons, choosing instead to focus on his own development.
The midfielder revealed that he has “just landed in Madrid” and is still in the adaptation phase. Real Madrid have long admired his potential, and while expectations are already high, Mastantuono insists there is much more to come. “Hopefully there will be a long story to tell with a lot of matches,” he said, making it clear that he sees his future firmly tied to the club.
Despite impressing at River Plate before securing his move, Mastantuono believes he has not yet touched his peak. “I’m yet to reach my best level. I had a good spell at River Plate, but this isn’t my peak. I’m going to keep working and improving,” he added, emphasizing his determination to grow under the environment and pressure that comes with playing for Real Madrid.
