Real Madrid’s blockbuster advised to play like Lamine Yamal

Franco Mastantuono has yet to make a significant impact at Real Madrid, and now he faces a stark message from legend Mario Kempes: be bold or be forgotten.

Franco Mastantuono – the young Argentine talent who transferred to Real Madrid last summer for over 60 million euros is under increasing pressure after failing to maintain the expected performance levels. At just 18 years old, he is considered one of the club’s important “long-term bets.”

However, just a few months after joining, the player has faced criticism, especially due to his hefty transfer price. Recently, Argentine football legend Mario Kempes spoke out, urging Mastantuono to be more daring and courageous on the pitch.

“This is not River, not Boca… this is Real Madrid. Even in training sessions, you have to win. Mastantuono needs to be bolder, braver,”Kempes said.

He also emphasized that Real wouldn’t have spent such a large sum without seeing potential in Mastantuono, but that very potential is now weighing heavily on the young player’s shoulders. Kempes then cited Lamine Yamal from Barcelona as a prime example of a fearless spirit.

“If he doesn’t make the most of that potential, he won’t last long,” Kempes asserted.“He needs to be braver, do what he used to at River – shoot from distance, dribble past defenders… Look at Yamal, he loses the ball, yes, but he still asks for it back, still dares to carry the ball, shoot, and play. Thatis what Mastantuono must do. He has to sacrifice twenty times more than Mbappe, Vinicius, or anyone else.”.

Besides skills, Kempes also highlighted the psychological aspect in top-level football:

“Having a strong mindset is good, but you must prove it on the field. People will like you for your effort and fighting spirit, but you have to become the real main character. Believe you can be a star – but don’t let that make you arrogant,”he said.

Kempes’s comments are seen as a wake-up call for Mastantuono – who has all the conditions to rise but has yet to show the commitment Real Madrid expects.