Franco Mastantuono talks to Arbeloa, Vinicius, Bellingham, Valverde: ‘Every day is amazing’

ballervisions 2026年1月27日

Franco Mastantuono missed most of the end of 2025 with pubalgia, and his recovery took longer than originally expected.

However, he came back strong and regained his place in the normal lives of the group.

The change of management, at the time, did not affect the Argentine defense, because Alvaro Arbeloa relies on him as does Xabi Alonso and he returned that trust with strong displays against Monaco and Villarreal.

Scoring a goal at the Santiago Bernabeu

The Real Madrid youngster spoke to DSports in a recent interview where he opened up about what it was like to score his first goal at the Santiago Bernabeu, which came in the team’s 6-1 win over AS Monaco.

“Pure adrenaline. It was the moment I was waiting for. It’s hard to describe,” he said.

Speaking about how the team seems to have turned a difficult situation around, the boy said,

“It’s a good time for me in the team, I think we have changed the situation that was not good, and I’m happy from my side.

“This year I am more settled, I feel better and better, it might be the best time since I arrived,” he added to his adaptation.

He also praised Alvaro Arbeloa for his work at the head and how the entire coaching staff boosted his confidence.

“Alvaro and his whole coaching team gave me a lot of confidence. I think that’s the most important thing for a player.

“They trust me a lot, they showed me that, and that’s nice for me. Maybe I play a little more freely,” he added.

“I am very grateful to this coaching team and Xabi and his coaching team who trusted me to be here,” he concluded.

He also praised the manager and is looking forward to more wins with the club this season.

“Alvaro is a great coach, he helps me a lot, and I think this is the way we will achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.”

In Valverde and Bellingham

Franco Mastantuono has nothing but praise for his Real Madrid teammates. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The youngster then opened up to Jude Bellingham and how he shares a closeness with the Englishman.

“Jude Bellingham is more of a person than a player. He’s an incredible person and we’ve built an amazing friendship.

“It’s great to share time with a player of his caliber, but above all because of the person he is. Every day is great,” he added.

He also praised team captain Federico Valverde for his leadership and guidance which is very important for a player of his age.

“Fede Valverde is a wonderful person, he helps me a lot, we always try to talk, we discuss many things, it’s a pleasure to be with him.

“He has been here at Real Madrid for many years. For us both to leave South America and be here is a dream come true,” he added.

In Vinicius Jr.

Finally, Mastantuono was asked about Vinicius Jr. and the poor appearance of the winger’s football until last week, he bluntly stated that,

“I’ve never seen Vini Jr. written down. He’s an unbelievable player. For me, he’s been the best player in the world for years.

“I think if he feels good, we will have a better chance to win as he helps us young players and the team,” he added how the team needs him to be at his level.

Speaking directly about the player’s latest situation, the Argentinian said,

“It’s a bad time for Vini Jr. I don’t like to call those situations bad times.

“I think that Vini is a player who has been out for a long time and stayed among the best players in the world, and obviously, like any other football player, he has bad moments as expected,” he added.

Explaining that the Brazilian player has set high standards for himself that ordinary players do not meet, Mastantuono belittled Vinicius.

“The bad thing about a high-level player is that if he doesn’t do well at 9/10 or 10/10, he is criticized and hit hard.”

“I don’t think he’s ever had a bad time, he’s had some not-so-good games, but they weren’t bad at all in my opinion. I’ve never seen him in a bad time,” he concluded.