Franco Mastantuono, who has been sidelined since November 1 due to a pubalgia, is optimistic about his recovery and return to the pitch. In a recent interview with Cadena SER, the Argentine winger provided encouraging updates on his health, alleviating concerns among Real Madrid supporters. “I’m working hard to recover. I feel much better now,” he stated. “It was a pain I had been dealing with for a long time. It was time to stop and properly recover to be at 100%… I will be back playing soon.”
Since joining Real Madrid from River Plate for a hefty fee of €60 million this summer, Mastantuono has quickly become an integral part of the squad. His absence has been felt, especially as the team navigates the early stages of the 2025-2026 season, which has seen several players afflicted by similar injuries, including rising star Lamine Yamal. Fans have begun to draw comparisons between the two players, sparking discussions reminiscent of the legendary rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Embracing the Challenge
Mastantuono remains unfazed by these comparisons, choosing instead to praise his fellow competitor. “Lamine is better,” he remarked. “The truth is that he is showing an incredible level. He’s having an amazing moment.” When asked about his adaptation to life at Real Madrid, Mastantuono emphasized that he doesn’t dwell on the financial aspects of his transfer. “Playing football is a blessing,” he explained. “Of course, there’s responsibility that comes with being a Real Madrid player. I believe this is how we will see my best version. I try not to put pressure on myself and just enjoy the game.”
Mastantuono’s Take on Vinicius Jr.
In another notable segment of the interview, Mastantuono addressed recent controversies involving teammate Vinicius Jr., who faced backlash for his conduct during a match. “When he leaves the field, it’s obviously not in the best manner,” Mastantuono stated candidly. However, he also highlighted that Vinicius had apologized to coach Xabi Alonso and the team, indicating that any issues were resolved internally. Contrary to public perception, it appears that Vinicius has managed to mend fences within the squad.
Reflecting on his arrival at Real Madrid, Mastantuono shared that he received a warm welcome from his teammates, particularly from Vinicius Jr., whom he described as “an incredible person.” He noted that despite external criticisms, Vinicius brings joy to the locker room. Furthermore, Mastantuono expressed appreciation for his interactions with teammates like Brahim Diaz and Federico Valverde, revealing that Jude Bellingham has particularly impressed him with his professionalism and work ethic.
As fans eagerly anticipate Mastantuono’s return to action, they can look forward to seeing how he integrates back into a squad filled with talent and ambition. Will he be able to replicate or even surpass his impressive start? Only time will tell.
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