Franco Mastantuono reveals he wants Real Madrid’s number 10 shirt and the fans don’t like it
17-year-old Argentine arrives at Madrid with big ambitions but fans aren’t impressed
Real Madrid’s latest young signing, Franco Mastantuono, has stirred controversy just days after landing in Spain. The 17-year-old, who signed a long-term contract until 2031, expressed his desire to wear the number 10 shirt at the club prompting backlash from fans who felt the statement was premature.
Speaking to ESPN upon his arrival at Madrid’s Barajas Airport on Saturday (2), Mastantuono said:
“What number will I wear at Real Madrid? I don’t know. Do I want 10? Of course, I would like to be Real Madrid’s number 10. But if Mbappé wears it, he has every right.”
The comment sparked criticism across social media, where many fans questioned the youngster’s humility and awareness of the current squad hierarchy.
Fans React: ‘You Haven’t Played a Single Match’
Supporters on X (formerly Twitter) responded swiftly, pointing out that Arda Güler, who joined Real Madrid a year earlier, hasn’t been granted the number 10 despite more experience and potential.
Some of the more pointed comments included:
- “Who are you when Arda is there first?”
- “You haven’t played a single match and you’re already asking for the number 10?”
- “Güler couldn’t even get that shirt. Wake up.”
The number 10 jersey is widely expected to go to Kylian Mbappé, whose arrival this summer marks a new era for Los Blancos.
Modest Stats Amid Big Hype
Mastantuono arrives from River Plate, where he caught scouts’ attention despite modest numbers. He played 23 matches across all competitions last season, scoring seven goals and recording four assists. At the Club World Cup, however, he failed to register a goal or assist in 264 minutes across three matches.
Despite the criticism, Real Madrid views Mastantuono as a long-term project—another investment in the club’s youth policy. His transfer was seen as a coup, with multiple top European clubs having shown interest.
