Martin Demichelis: Franco Mastantuono is built for Real Madrid
Former River Plate boss Martin Demichelis insists that Franco Mastantuono has the personality and talent to succeed at Real Madrid despite his current loan at Fiorentina.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: LauraHale
RB Leipzig boss Martin Demichelis has expressed his unwavering belief in the potential of 19-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono. Despite the Argentine prodigy's current loan spell at Fiorentina, Demichelis insists that the player possesses the personality, physicality, and technical ability to thrive at Real Madrid.
Demichelis, who mentored the youngster at River Plate and handed him his professional debut at age 16, stressed the importance of patience when young players adapt to the elite level. He noted that even legends of the game required time to adjust to the unique demands of the Santiago Bernabeu.
He needs time. You have to look back at how many South American players have joined top European clubs and gone on to succeed. Santiago Solari or Gonzalo Higuain needed time to adapt to one of the biggest institutions in the world, if not the biggest. Martin Demichelis
Mastantuono completed a move to Real Madrid in August 2025 for a reported €45 million, making him the most expensive signing in Argentine football history. After making his debut for the Spanish giants, he opted for a loan move to Serie A to secure regular first-team football, a decision that is already showing promise with three goals in his first seven league appearances.
As Demichelis prepares his Leipzig side to face Madrid in the Champions League this week, he remains convinced that the youngster's decision to gain experience in Italy is merely a stepping stone. He reaffirmed that he has no doubts about Mastantuono's future as a key figure for the Spanish club.