Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid’s latest prodigy, has been tipped as the heir to Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt for Argentina. The 17-year-old, who has drawn comparisons to Zinedine Zidane, joined Los Blancos after a stellar stint at River Plate. Despite being just 17, Mastantuono’s potential has sparked excitement, with some even forecasting his inclusion in the Argentina squad for the next World Cup.
Franco Mastantuono: The Next No. 10 for Argentina and Real Madrid’s Future Star
Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid’s exciting teenage talent, is already drawing comparisons to two of football’s greatest figures—Lionel Messi and Zinedine Zidane. With his unique blend of finesse, vision, and composure, the 17-year-old Argentine has been earmarked as the future leader of Argentina’s attack, even being tipped as Messi’s successor in the iconic No. 10 jersey.
A Prodigy Recognized from a Young Age
The journey of Mastantuono from a young prodigy at River Plate to the grand stage of Real Madrid began when Daniel Brizuela, the former head of scouting at River Plate, first spotted him as a nine-year-old in Azul, a small town in Buenos Aires. Brizuela recalls a pivotal moment when the young Mastantuono controlled the ball and made a perfect pass, leading to a goal—a sign that the boy had something extraordinary.
“From that day, I knew he was meant for Europe. He’s the prototype of the modern European footballer,” said Brizuela. Mastantuono’s technical ability and calmness under pressure impressed Brizuela so much that he instantly predicted his future success with top European clubs, particularly Real Madrid.
Zidane-esque Qualities: The Next Maestro of Argentine Football
Brizuela’s admiration for Mastantuono is clear, and his prediction that the youngster will inherit Argentina’s No. 10 jersey at the next FIFA World Cup is bold but grounded in Mastantuono’s footballing intelligence. According to Brizuela, the teenager possesses a “chessboard” vision on the field, reminiscent of Zidane’s ability to control and dictate play.
“He’s a fine, elegant player with a white boot. He plays like Zidane, and his style of leadership on the pitch makes him a perfect fit for Argentina’s No. 10,” Brizuela explained. His ability to orchestrate play, take responsibility, and dictate the tempo are qualities that make Mastantuono the natural heir to Messi’s legacy.
Mastantuono’s Path to Real Madrid’s First Team
As Mastantuono waits to turn 18 on August 14, he is set to fully integrate into the Real Madrid senior squad, where he will begin training with the first team. However, he still faces restrictions based on his age, which means he won’t immediately feature in competitive matches.
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso, who is known for his own footballing intelligence, will likely rotate his squad, and Mastantuono’s inclusion in key matches may come sooner than expected. The club’s 2025-26 La Liga season begins on August 19 with a home match against Osasuna, and while Mastantuono’s debut is not guaranteed, all eyes will be on the Argentine star once he gets his chance to shine.
What’s Next for Mastantuono and Real Madrid?
The future looks bright for Franco Mastantuono at Real Madrid, and his potential to succeed Lionel Messi for Argentina is a captivating prospect. His journey with Los Blancos is just beginning, and it will be fascinating to see how he adjusts to life in Spain and whether he can live up to the hype surrounding him.
As Real Madrid builds a new era, Mastantuono could play a pivotal role in the club’s long-term plans, alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe, who is expected to join the club soon. Mastantuono’s early career at Madrid could be a defining one, and his development will be closely watched by both club and country.
