Real Madrid starlet congratulates Lamine Yamal on Ballon d’Or 2nd place – ‘He’s a great player’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono has congratulated Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal on his second-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.

Lamine went into the Ballon d’Or gala on Monday as one of the favourites to win the golden orb, but ended up second behind PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele.

The 18-year-old Spanish sensation won the Kopa Trophy for a second year in a row, becoming the first player ever to lift the prize twice.

Mastantuono praises Lamine Yamal

Now, Real Madrid starlet Mastantuono has sent his congratulations to Lamine for his achievements at the Ballon d’Or gala this year.

The 18-year-old Argentine, who joined Los Blancos during the summer, said: “I congratulate him on coming second in the Ballon d’Or. I think he’s a great player.”

Lamine won the Kopa Trophy and was the Ballon d’Or runner-up. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Mastantuono’s comments came after he scored his first goal for Real Madrid on Tuesday in their 4-1 win over Levante.

Ever since his arrival in Spain from Argentina, there has been some sort of comparison drawn between him and Lamine. When asked for his opinion, the Real Madrid starlet said:

“I try not to compare myself to anyone else, but to play for my team, which I believe is what ultimately leads to individual success.”

At one point, Barcelona, too, held an interest in signing Mastantuono when he was making waves at River Plate.

But the club’s financial situation, among other reasons, meant the move was never explored.

Mastantuono will come face-to-face with Lamine in a little over a month when Real Madrid host Barcelona in the first El Clasico of the season.

Source: AS