Franco Mastantuono Becomes Youngest Real Madrid Starter in 20 Years

Franco Mastantuono, an 18-year-old Argentine, has made a historic impact at Real Madrid by becoming the youngest player to start a LaLiga match for the club in the last 20 years, surpassing records held by Endrick Felipe and Miguel Pardeza. Handpicked by head coach Xabi Alonso, Mastantuono impressed with his composure, energy, and versatility, playing both as a winger and playmaker in his early appearances, including a notable 3-0 victory against Real Oviedo. Alonso praised Mastantuono's integration into the squad and highlighted his potential for the short, medium, and long term, emphasizing that no player's starting position is guaranteed. Arriving from River Plate shortly after turning 18, Mastantuono quickly became a vital part of the team’s attacking play, showing maturity and hunger atypical for his age. His performances have sparked excitement among fans and analysts as Real Madrid continues its LaLiga campaign with optimism about the young talent's future contributions. Additionally, Xabi Alonso discussed team dynamics, including Rodrygo's limited starts and Vinícius Júnior's recent struggles, underscoring the competitive environment within the squad.