- Home >
- Soccer >
- LaLiga >
- Concern Begins to Grow in Argentina Over Franco Mastantuono’s Role at Real Madrid
Concern Begins to Grow in Argentina Over Franco Mastantuono’s Role at Real Madrid
The calendar is tightening and the minutes are disappearing. In Argentina, the alarm bells are starting to ring.
In Argentina, all eyes are on Franco Mastantuono and his situation at Real Madrid. The young midfielder has seen his involvement sharply reduced under Álvaro Arbeloa, logging just 13 minutes across the last four matches.
The timing makes it even more concerning. With the Finalissima against Spain on March 27 and the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, a lack of playing time could seriously affect his international prospects.
From Key Starter to Limited Minutes
The shift has been dramatic. In his first six matches under Arbeloa, Mastantuono started five times and even found the net once. During that stretch, he regularly played more than 70 minutes and appeared to be cementing his place in the squad.
But since the match against Rayo Vallecano, his role has diminished significantly. According to reports from TyC Sports, he came on in the 82nd minute against Valencia and did not feature at all against Real Sociedad, Benfica, or Osasuna.

Concern From River Legends
Back home, the situation has sparked strong reactions. Norberto Alonso, a legend at River Plate, offered a blunt assessment of the young midfielder’s current reality.
The former star suggested that Mastantuono could eventually end up at a smaller club before potentially returning stronger, emphasizing that he must first prove he belongs at Real Madrid. His comments reflect the growing anxiety surrounding the Argentine prospect.
A Crucial Moment in His Career
Real Madrid’s schedule remains packed and internal competition is fierce. In that context, Mastantuono’s reduced role is even more striking.
The coming weeks could prove decisive. His club minutes will not only shape his standing in Madrid but could also influence his place with the Argentina national team in a pivotal year.
In Argentina, the belief in his talent remains strong. The real question now is whether he will get the stage he needs in time.













