Franco Mastantuono arrived at Real Madrid at just 18 years old carrying the expectations of a footballer destined to leave a mark. However, the Argentine himself admits he is still far from his best version. Between adapting to a new country, a drastic change in role and a pubalgia issue that forced him to stop, the young talent is asking for time to reach the level required by one of the most demanding clubs on the planet.

From starring at River to the challenge of Real Madrid’s elite

The attacking midfielder, who signed with Madrid on August 14, acknowledged on El Larguero that his performances have yet to reflect his true potential. “I had a great spell at River Plate, but that’s not my ceiling. My best version hasn’t arrived yet,” he said.

In Argentina he was a freer player, with creative weight and offensive responsibilities, but at Madrid his role has changed. Xabi Alonso is asking him to occupy different zones, stay wider, and take on collective tasks that demand tactical discipline.

Mastantuono doesn’t see it as a setback, but as part of the natural adaptation process. “Here I’m not thinking about being the protagonist; I’m thinking about helping wherever I’m needed,” he explained. Still, the internal demand doesn’t forgive: in his first seven matches he made six starts, but couldn’t settle before the physical pain began limiting his every move.

The pubalgia, which he had been dealing with since his final months at River, became the turning point. “It was a pain I’d had for a while. It was time to stop and return at one hundred percent. This club demands that,” he said.

The locker room, comparisons and the pressure of a giant

Despite the huge expectations surrounding him, Mastantuono has shown maturity when addressing inevitable comparisons. On Lamine Yamal, he was blunt: “Right now, he’s better. He’s at an incredible level.” He also praised teammates like Vinícius Júnior, describing him as “an incredible person who always spreads joy,” even when cameras catch him looking frustrated.

Regarding the goalkeepers, he admitted that working with Thibaut Courtois is a unique experience, just like sharing a national team with Dibu Martínez, whom he deeply admires. And when asked who the best player in the world is, he didn’t hesitate: “For me, it’s Leo Messi, until he retires.”

He understands better than anyone the phrase that follows Real Madrid everywhere: there is no margin for error. With 689 minutes played across LaLiga and the Champions League, one goal and one assist, the Argentine knows he has yet to show what he can truly offer. But he is also fully aware that his story is only getting started.

“I want to stay a long time at the biggest club in the world,” he said. To do that, he is asking for something few can afford at the Bernabéu: time to heal, to adapt, and to become the player Madrid expects him to be… and the one he believes he can become.