Real Madrid Fire Back at Transfer Rumors Surrounding Their Star Summer Acquisition

Real Madrid are said to have zero plans to sell Franco Mastantuono, even with multiple European clubs showing interest, including current Serie A titleholders Napoli.

The summer acquisition from River Plate made an impressive debut in Madrid. With clear backing from Xabi Alonso, Mastantuono featured in eight of Madrid's opening 11 fixtures this season, leaving Rodrygo on the sidelines while excelling in a fluid position on the right flank.

However, physical setbacks followed. Mastantuono was eventually sidelined from Madrid's roster in November after succumbing to persistent groin discomfort that had been troubling him for weeks. After missing four consecutive matches, the young talent received only one minute of action in Madrid's last five league contests of the year, partly due to injury management concerns and largely because of Rodrygo's significantly enhanced performances.

Recognizing a potential opportunity with an underutilized talent, Napoli joined "multiple" European clubs reportedly interested in Mastantuono according to MARCA. Real Madrid's response was immediate and clear: the youngster remains untouchable. Napoli and other interested parties weren't even permitted to submit official proposals, whether for temporary or permanent transfers.

The Spanish powerhouse made Mastantuono Argentina's record transfer at age 18 with plans for an extended partnership. Alonso continues carefully managing the adaptable winger's return from his groin problem, a sensitive injury requiring ongoing assessment.

Madrid typically avoid January transfer activity. Martin Ødegaard was their last senior player to join or depart mid-season when he moved on loan to Arsenal in January 2021. Similar restraint is anticipated for 2026—despite obvious squad gaps—meaning Mastantuono must pursue his lofty objectives while remaining in Spain's capital.

Franco Mastantuono Targeting Lionel Messi's World Cup Milestone

Apart from returning to full health and securing his place in Real Madrid's starting lineup, Mastantuono harbors clear international dreams. The prospect joined Lionel Scaloni's Argentina squad during the summer, earning his debut cap in June before making his first start in September versus Venezuela.

Physical problems have blocked a return for Mastantuono, who faces competition from players like Como's exceptionally impressive Nico Paz—potentially a future Real Madrid colleague. Beyond the privilege of representing the current world champions internationally, a World Cup selection would give Mastantuono an opportunity to break one of Lionel Messi's achievements.

If Scaloni both selects the Real Madrid attacker for his squad and grants him playing time in Argentina's tournament opener against Algeria, Mastantuono would eclipse Messi as the youngest male to represent Argentina at a World Cup.

At just 18 with exceptional ability, Mastantuono has every reason to maintain high aspirations—except those involving departing Real Madrid, which seems increasingly improbable.

Youngest Argentines in Men's World Cup History

Data via Transfermarkt. Franco Mastantuono would be 18 years and 307 days old for Argentina's first World Cup fixture in 2026.