No Translation Needed: Mastantuno, Bellingham, and the Language Gap in Real Madrid's Locker Room
6 February 2026
Locker room banter and a language gap
The Argentine winger Franco Mastantuno, Real Madrid's young talent, spoke about the behind-the-scenes dynamics with his English teammate Jude Bellingham in the locker room, in remarks that carried a playful tone while underscoring a positive vibe within the squad, noting that language barriers persist despite growing closeness.
Mastantuno, who joined Real Madrid from River Plate in 2025 at 18, is still adapting to a club packed with stars and daily pressures.
During a appearance on Argentine YouTuber Davo Shinizi's channel, he was asked about his relation with Bellingham, and he quipped: 'He speaks Spanish and I don't speak English... there is no communication'.
Yet the joke aside, the Argentina winger stressed that his relationship with the England star is excellent, noting that Bellingham has offered him support from day one.
He added: 'He's a real star. We talk a lot, but not deeply, because he doesn't understand most of what I say'—a clear hint that language is the only barrier, not personality or football.
The comments paint a picture of Madrid's locker room, where the teenager tries to find his place among global names, benefitting from the squad's backing and Bellingham's leadership in this new generation.
Mastantuno hopes the upbeat mood translates into on-field progress, more minutes and confidence as his Madrid journey begins. Language and cultural adaptation remain daily challenges.
Punchline 1: Translation level at Real Madrid is so high, even the players wear subtitles.
Punchline 2: In that locker room, the only thing louder than the fans is the coach shouting, 'Speak up!' in three languages.
