Mastantuno Concedes Yamal Is Currently Ahead, as Madrid Star Eyes a Long, Laugh-Ready Rivalry

Franco Mastantuno on the Yamal rivalry and the Clasico context

The Argentine forward Franco Mastantuno, a Real Madrid rising star, commented on the persistent comparison with Spain’s Lamine Yamal, confirming that for now Yamal holds the edge.

In a Marca interview, he covered Vinícius Jr.’s recent Clasico moment of frustration, praised Lionel Messi, and shared his thoughts on Julián Álvarez and Kylian Mbappé.

Mastantuno said, “I’ve spoken before about my comparison with Lamine Yamal. I don’t love comparisons, but it’s nice to have a healthy rivalry with players of Yamal’s caliber, from Barcelona and Spain. That competition pushes you to become better, and I hope it lasts for years.”

Asked who is better right now, he made his stance clear: “Today, Yamal is the best. He’s delivering an extraordinary level and is in a fantastic spell. I’ve just joined Madrid and I’m still adapting; I hope the process is quick so I can match Europe’s pace and Real Madrid’s tempo. May this be the start of a long story filled with great matches, like the last one we saw, which was amazing.”

When the journalist pressed further, Mastantuno addressed Vinícius’s heated moment in the Clasico: “When he left the pitch, it wasn’t the right way, of course. He apologized to Xabi Alonso (the coach) and to all of us in the locker room.”

He added: “He asked forgiveness from the coach and the team. We are one team, one unit, and we don’t play with individual mindsets; we stand together to move forward, and that’s what matters.”

“Vinícius is an amazing person,” he continued. “He’s often criticized for his personality, but he’s a wonderful human who brings joy to every game. He gets angry like all of us, and perhaps his reaction wasn’t ideal, but he owned up to it. He knows he’s a key player and a leader for the squad. He apologized.”

On Messi, Mastantuno offered wide praise: “I’m a Real Madrid fan, playing for the biggest club in the world, but for me Messi is the best player in football, and he will stay that way until retirement. I’m with him in the national team, and it’s amazing how he always continues to surprise teammates. I’m grateful for how he treated me.”

He also weighed in on Mbappé vs. Álvarez: “That’s a tough question. I think both are in a fantastic moment. Julián is undoubtedly one of the world’s best, as shown at the World Cup, where he came off the bench and made a mark with goals and smart play. He shows sacrifice for the team, which is highly valued.”

“As for Mbappé,” Mastantuno added, “he’s a natural goalscorer. If he isn’t the best in the world today, he’s second. Both are among the elite, and I’m lucky to play alongside them. Honestly, I’d pick both.”

Madrid’s plan for Mastantuno and the road ahead

The Real Madrid plan focuses on a precise development path for the young Franco Mastantuno, balancing physical and technical growth as he gradually returns from a sports hernia.

He currently follows a tailored training program aligned with his physical needs, with patience and calm as essential components of the club’s strategy.

AS reports that the sports hernia is a complex injury; players like Yamal and Nico Williams have shown it can limit performance. Williams said: “With this injury, you’re not yourself entirely. I work on strengthening and hope to keep growing as a player. It’s a very tough injury; those who have tried it know how hard it is.”

The report notes that no one at Real Madrid dares to set a firm return date, since everything depends on Mastantuno’s feelings and recovery. The same applies to his integration with the first team, where, from the outset, he has connected well with coach Xabi Alonso in training thanks to his technical ability and quick adaptation.

Alonso himself lauded the youngster, saying: “He has high quality, but what I admire most is his competitive spirit. It needs to be managed, but that drive is essential.” The bonds among players are strong, aided by Mastantuno’s abilities and their shared language.

In short, a fascinating chapter is unfolding as two generations of talent collide within the Madrid-Barcelona axis, with patience and humor as needed companions at the ready.

Punchlines: If patience were a weapon, Mastantuno’s plan would be a sniper rifle—calibrated, quiet, and deadly when the time comes. And remember: when two rising stars share a stage, the only thing for sure is more headlines, more goals, and more reasons to stay tuned to this saga.