Franco Mastantuono, the Argentine prospect valued at over 60 million euros, is losing ground at Real Madrid, and there is already talk of a possible departure from the club. Introduced on the day he turned 18, the young forward seemed destined to make history in football, breaking impressive records, such as being the youngest to wear the number 10 jersey for the Argentine national team and the youngest starter for Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, his 2025/26 season is far from living up to initial expectations.
The pubalgia that sidelined him in November was the first warning sign. Since then, his playing time has drastically decreased, worsened by the departure of Xabi Alonso, the coach who believed in him from the start, and the arrival of Álvaro Arbeloa, who has not shown the same confidence in the young talent. To make matters worse, Mastantuono found himself involved in a serious controversy after insulting a referee with strong words, which earned him a two-match suspension and further tarnished his second half of the season.
Sources close to the club indicate that Real Madrid is already considering loaning the player out next season, a move aimed at ensuring that the Argentine accumulates minutes and can develop away from the pressure of the Bernabéu. Signed from River Plate last summer for a fee exceeding 60 million euros, including fixed amounts and bonuses, the forward arrived with enormous expectations and was promised to be one of the standout stars of the squad.
However, the reality is different: in 31 games this season, Mastantuono has only accumulated 1200 minutes, scored three goals, and registered one assist. His absence as a starter in crucial moments of the Champions League, particularly in the Round of 16 and quarter-finals, along with the last time he started in LaLiga on February 1, confirms that his space at Real is shrinking rapidly.
With the club preparing for a season where the priority is to win titles after two blank years, there is no room for experimentation. Therefore, the most logical solution is a loan, allowing Mastantuono to regain rhythm and confidence at another club.
His former club, River Plate, has already expressed openness to a possible return. The millonarios’ coach, Chacho Coudet, has left the door wide open to welcome the Argentine into a new chapter, stating: “Here we will welcome him with open arms. It’s a different football; I don’t think he hasn’t adapted because when he played, he did well. I don’t want to interfere too much, but these are normal processes. And I repeat, for whatever is needed, he has a place here.”
Franco Mastantuono now faces a decisive moment in his career: to remain at Real Madrid and fight for a place in a star-studded team or to accept a loan that could be the key to unlocking his potential and returning stronger. Time is running out, and Real Madrid is preparing to make a decision that could determine the future of one of the greatest prospects in world football.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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