Real Madrid Wonderkid Franco Mastantuono Urged to Show More Grit

Real Madrid wonderkid Franco Mastantuono is facing mounting pressure to prove he belongs among the elite at the Santiago Bernabéu. Legendary Argentinian striker Mario Kempes has called on the 18-year-old to take major inspiration from Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and to give even more effort than established stars like Kylian Mbappé if he is to cement his place at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid Wonderkid Mastantuono Faces Stern Kempes Critique

Real Madrid’s €60 million acquisition of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate last summer was seen as a statement of intent—a move not just for the present, but to secure a key figure for the club’s future. Despite an encouraging start to his La Liga career, Mastantuono’s form has suffered amid injury setbacks, sparking concerns about his adaptation to the club’s immense demands.

Mario Kempes, a World Cup winner and one of Argentina’s greatest footballers, has not held back in his assessment of Mastantuono’s recent struggles. Emphasizing the difference between South American football and the relentless expectations at Real Madrid, Kempes cautioned: “It’s not easy, it’s not River, it’s not Boca… it’s Real Madrid. At Real Madrid, you have to win even in training. Mastantuono needs to be a little more daring, he needs to be more courageous.”

Mastantuono Urged to Emulate Lamine Yamal’s Boldness

Kempes pointed to Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal as an example of the boldness and attacking mindset Mastantuono must develop. According to Kempes, Yamal’s willingness to take risks, demand the ball, and persist after mistakes sets the standard for young talents looking to thrive at the highest level. “He needs to get bolder, do what he did at River, shoot from outside the box, take on defenders… Lamine Yamal is more or less like that,” Kempes remarked.

Kempes further advised that Mastantuono must outwork even the biggest names in football, including Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Rodrygo. “He has to sacrifice himself 20 times more than Mbappé, or Vini, or anyone else,” Kempes insisted.

High Expectations After Record Transfer Fee

Arriving for a reported €60 million, Franco Mastantuono carried the weight of expectation from both fans and club management. Real Madrid saw him as a cornerstone for their future, but the transition from being River Plate’s star to just another prospect among Galácticos has not been seamless. Mastantuono’s recent dip in form has raised doubts about his mental and physical readiness for the unique pressures at Real Madrid.

Psychological Pressure and the Need for Proactive Play

Kempes highlighted not just the physical, but the psychological challenge facing Mastantuono. He dismissed the notion that mental sharpness alone is enough, stressing that it must be translated into visible actions on the pitch. “Mentally? You have to prove it on the field, not just because you’re mentally sharp. People will like you, yes, they value your effort, your will, but you have to be a protagonist, not just in some things. Believe you can be a star, but without letting it go to your head,” Kempes concluded.

Franco Mastantuono Responds to Madrid Pressure

Mastantuono, aware of the scrutiny, recently addressed the concerns surrounding his performances. “Since I was a boy, people have talked about my football; it could be said that I was the new Messi and at the same time a disaster, the worst purchase of Real Madrid. I don’t believe I am Messi, nor do I believe I am Real Madrid’s worst signing. I work for my best version, which I know I can have,” the young midfielder stated.

His candid response shows maturity, but the real test lies ahead as Real Madrid enter the decisive stage of the season. Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will be hoping Mastantuono can rediscover the confidence and fearlessness that marked his rise at River Plate.

Why Mastantuono’s Grit Matters for Real Madrid’s Future

With Real Madrid’s season entering a critical phase, every squad member’s contribution gains added importance. Mastantuono’s ability to rise to the occasion, show the courage demanded by Kempes, and emulate the work rate of his star teammates could make the difference in the club’s pursuit of silverware.

Opinion: Franco Mastantuono’s Moment of Truth at Real Madrid

It’s clear that Franco Mastantuono is facing a pivotal moment in his young career. Kempes’s critique is harsh but comes from a place of experience, highlighting the brutal reality at a club where only the best survive. Mastantuono doesn’t just need to match the standards of his peers—he must surpass them through relentless effort and fearless play. If he can channel the boldness of Lamine Yamal and the work ethic of Mbappé, there’s every chance he will fulfill his immense potential at Real Madrid. For more news and updates on football’s rising stars, visit for more news.