Mastantuono opens up on injury, Bellingham, Mbappe, Lamine, Ronaldo, Messi | OneFootball

Real Madrid summer signing Franco Mastantuono has taken a moment to reflect on his early months in Spain, offering the most open insight yet into his fitness, adaptation, and mindset since joining the European champions. 

Speaking in his first major interview as a Real Madrid player, the teenager sat down with SER and addressed everything from his injury to learning from global stars inside the dressing room.

He began by discussing the groin problem that has slowed his progress in recent weeks. 

While explaining the issue, he made it clear that the discomfort had been building for some time. 

“It was a pain I’d been feeling for some time. It was time to slow down and recover properly so I could be 100%. This club demands it. I’ll be back playing soon.”

The young midfielder also revealed where the injury started becoming a real concern, giving more context to the setback he has been carrying. 

“It started in the second game of the Club World Cup against River, and it bothered me more and more until I had to stop because of the pain.”

Pressure of playing for Madrid

Despite the expectations that come with wearing the Real Madrid shirt, Mastantuono insisted that pressure is not something that overwhelms him. 

Before explaining this, he spoke about the responsibility that comes with the badge. He said, 

“With the responsibility that comes with being a Real Madrid player, I try to always enjoy it, and I think that’s how people will see the best version of me. I try not to put pressure on myself and to enjoy the game.”

He also acknowledged the big shift from being the focal point at River Plate to now sharing the pitch with several of the world’s most dangerous attackers. 

“It’s a pleasure to play with all the players you mentioned and everyone else who is part of the club. 

“I’m not thinking about being the star, but about helping my teammates, and then everything will fall into place the way I want it to.”

Praise for his teammates

Mastantuono has already built friendships in the dressing room, and before naming the players he connects with, he highlighted the positive environment around him. 

Franco Mastantuono has shared his thoughts on multiple talking points around the club. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

“I’ve met a group of incredible people who make every day wonderful. They’re incredible people as well as impressive players for Real Madrid.

“I have a great relationship with Brahim, Valverde, Huijsen, Carreras. I think the dressing room is fantastic.”

When asked who has impressed him most on a footballing level, he made sure to mention Jude Bellingham. Giving context to his admiration, he added, 

“I think Bellingham is an incredible player… He’s also a great person, one of the guys I get along with very well and have a good relationship with.”

The praise did not stop there. Mastantuono went on to speak about Kylian Mbappe, highlighting the striker’s impact on the squad. He said, 

“He’s in incredible form, he helps us a lot… hopefully here at Real Madrid.

“He’s got his eye on the goal, and every time he gets close to shoot, you know something’s going to happen. 

“That gives the team a lot of confidence, knowing that something good is going to happen when he has the ball near the box.”

Choosing between Messi and Ronaldo

He also touched on the inevitable Messi vs Cristiano debate. Before reaffirming his personal choice, he clarified his respect for Real Madrid. He then stated, 

“I’m a Real Madrid fan… but for me, Messi is always the best player in football and in the world… You learn a lot from him.”

Finally, he gave his thoughts on future comparisons with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Before addressing the rivalry, he downplayed individual duels. 

He concluded, “I don’t like comparisons, but it’s always nice to have rivals of the calibre of Lamine. 

“Hopefully, it will be like that for a long time, until my career is over.”

When asked who better between him and the Barcelona talent, he confessed, 

“Today, Lamine. He’s showing an incredible level, but I’ve just arrived at Real Madrid, I’m in an adaptation process that I hope will be quick, so I can get up to speed in Europe and at Real Madrid.”