Franco Mastantuono’s fairy tale at Real Madrid began in dazzling fashion. At just 18 years old, the Argentine burst onto the preseason stage with a maturity far beyond his age. Xabi Alonso brought him into the first-team setup from day one and kept him in the rotation, even granting him starts in the opening league matches. His flair, talent, and ability to find space between the lines made him look like a permanent fixture in the lineup.

In just a few weeks at the top level, his adaptation was instant. He owned the right flank of the Santiago Bernabéu as if he’d been playing there for years. The club had invested over 60 million euros in his transfer, and the youngster responded with character. His first goal arrived on Matchday 6 against Levante, a strike that placed him among a historic list of early scorers alongside Raúl González, Alberto Rivera, and Endrick. The future seemed to belong to him.

From Undisputed Prospect to Unexpected Substitute

But football moves fast, as always. With a more demanding schedule, the Argentine began to disappear from the starting eleven. Against Atlético de Madrid, Juventus, and Barcelona, Mastantuono started on the bench. The return of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga to full fitness forced Xabi Alonso to adjust his system, favoring more experienced players for high-pressure games.

Even so, the youngster hasn’t lost focus. In the defeat at the Metropolitano, he came off the bench and improved Madrid’s attack, showing his ability to change the game’s tempo. However, in the Clásico against Barcelona, he didn’t play a single minute. Bellingham, in top form, scored and assisted, sealing the result and leaving little room for the younger talents.

Patience and Talent: The Argentine’s Best Weapons

Inside the locker room, no one doubts his potential. At just 17, he had already decided a Superclásico for River Plate with a stunning free-kick goal. He’s a player used to the big stage but aware that at Real Madrid, success requires both time and patience.

Mastantuono understands that rotation is part of life at the Bernabéu. Xabi Alonso trusts his talent and sees him as a key piece for the club’s near future. His next chance could come against Valencia, an ideal match to regain momentum and prove why the club invested so heavily in him. For now, the Argentine’s story is only beginning: from euphoria to the bench, still shining as he waits for his turn.