US EditionReal Madrid Coach Praises Mastantuono and Downplays Player's Choice of Messi as World's Best
Lewandowski says Mastantuono and Yamal face pressure to sustain success like Messi and Ronaldo but must build unique legacies, with both already impressing in Europe’s top leagues.
- Last week, Robert Lewandowski weighed in with a stark comparison, saying comparisons between Franco Mastantuono and Lamine Yamal are natural but unfair.
- The backdrop to Lewandowski’s remarks is Mastantuono’s recent signing after turning 18 and comparisons with Yamal fueled debates about future dominance.
- He likened their journey to past greats, warning that Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo faced enormous pressure, highlighting the 'increasingly demanding' nature of modern soccer.
- Buzz built as fans await Mastantuono’s Bernabéu debut and have circled October 26, 2025, for the first El Clásico where he could face Yamal.
- Looking further ahead, Lewandowski cautioned that sustaining greatness into their mid-to-late twenties is the true challenge, with the return leg at Camp Nou not yet scheduled.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Associated Press News
Real Madrid coach praises Mastantuono and downplays player's choice of Messi as world's best
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has praised the maturity of teenage newcomer Franco Mastantuono. The 18-year-old joined Madrid on a six-year deal and has already impressed Alonso with his confidence and quality.
It's only been four days since I was introduced to the merengue shirt, but it's already made an impression on Valdebebas.
Real Madrid coach praises Mastantuono, downplays choice of Messi as world's best
MADRID — Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has praised the maturity of teenager newcomer Franco Mastantuono and downplayed the player’s choice of former Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi as the world’s best player. The 18-year-old Mastantuono signed a six-year deal with Madrid and said during his introduction last week that he considers his countryman Messi the best in the world. “It’s logical for Messi to be his favorite player,” Alonso said on Mond…
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