Young Argentine Franco Mastantuono, the latest addition to Real Madrid, sent a message of respect to his Clásico rival, Lamine Yamal, after the Barcelona star finished second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote. Following his first goal as a Madrid player in the 4-1 win over Levante, Mastantuono was asked by the press about the constant comparisons with the Blaugrana jewel.

Mastantuono praises Yamal and clarifies his stance

“Congratulations to Lamine Yamal for his second place in the Ballon d’Or. I think he’s a great player,” Mastantuono said after Los Blancos’ victory at the Santiago Bernabéu. The attacking midfielder, who arrived from River Plate, also stressed that he’s not interested in making comparisons: “It’s not up to me to compare myself with anyone. I just try to play for my team, because in the end, that’s what leads to individual success.”

The Argentine and Yamal, both 18 years old and expected to define an era at their respective clubs, are already being seen as the new protagonists of the Madrid-Barça rivalry. Yamal’s back-to-back Kopa Trophy wins only heighten expectations around their future clashes.

A historic debut in the white shirt

Mastantuono’s goal against Levante came in a moment full of symbolism. In just his fifth match and third consecutive start, he netted Madrid’s second in the rout and, in doing so, mirrored a historic coincidence: exactly 72 years earlier, on September 23, 1953, Alfredo Di Stéfano, also a former River player, had scored his first goal with Real Madrid.

“They reminded me of it when I arrived at the club, and it’s incredible. I’m proud to share that date with him. I don’t compare myself to such a legend, but these details are very special,” the Argentine admitted, visibly moved.

The next major date on the calendar for Mastantuono and Yamal will be the Clásico on October 26 at the Santiago Bernabéu, where the two could face each other for the first time. Before that, the Madrid youngster will look to keep building momentum in the Madrid derby against Atlético de Madrid, while his Blaugrana rival works to reclaim the top spot in LaLiga.

Mutual respect has already been shown off the pitch, but all signs point to them writing one of the most exciting chapters of the new generation of world football once they meet on it.