Franco Mastantuono’s Real Madrid shock kit number reportedly revealed – And it’s not Kylian Mbappe’s old No. 9

Real Madrid’s recent moves in the transfer market have made headlines not just for their magnitude, but for their message: a new generation is taking shape at the Santiago Bernabeu. With the arrivals of promising youngsters like Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and now Franco Mastantuono, the club is not just preparing for the present — it’s laying the foundation for the next great Galactico era.

Yet among all the talent and ambition, one mystery had fans curious: what shirt number would the Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono wear? Before his move to Madrid, Franco Mastantuono was already a star in the making at River Plate. The 17-year-old right winger, who can also feature in central midfield, burst into the first team in January 2024 and quickly showed why he’s considered one of Argentina’s brightest prospects.

In just one season, Mastantuono tallied seven goals and four assists, while also turning heads during River Plate’s FIFA Club World Cup campaign. In 264 minutes of action, he was widely hailed as the team’s standout player, showcasing maturity and flair far beyond his years.

“Mastantuono is a player who guarantees both present and future,” Defensa Central suggests, emphasizing the club’s excitement over his imminent arrival. Although he featured for River Plate at the Club World Cup, his signing with Real Madrid had already been finalized before the tournament began.

Not Mbappe’s No. 9

Speculation had surrounded which number Mastantuono would receive, especially after Kylian Mbappe‘s blockbuster move to Real Madrid triggered a domino effect of number changes. With Luka Modric departing, Mbappe has taken over the iconic No. 10 shirt, a number he also wears for France. That left his previous number — the famous No. 9 shirt — up for grabs.

However, according to Defensa Central, that shirt has been earmarked for another rising star: Brazilian forward Endrick, who wore the No. 16 last season. His promotion to No. 9 further elevates his role in the squad and aligns him with Real Madrid legends like Karim Benzema and Ronaldo Nazario, both of whom wore that number.

What kit number will Franco Mastantuono wear?

With Endrick moving up, the No. 16 shirt has become available, and Franco Mastantuono is now expected to inherit it, as per Diario AS. While not as globally iconic as No. 7 or No. 10, the No. 16 holds significant history at Real Madrid. It was once worn by Fernando Hierro, Raul Gonzalez, and Emilio Butragueno — players who became symbols of excellence and longevity at the club.

More recently, the number has been donned by the likes of James Rodriguez, Luka Jovic, and Mateo Kovacic, often reserved for emerging or transitional talents. For Mastantuono, this number signifies both expectation and opportunity — a chance to prove himself and grow into a vital part of Los Blancos’ future.