It took only 10 days at Real Madrid for Franco Mastantuono to etch his name into the club’s history books. Handpicked by head coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/xabi-alonso/">Xabi Alonso</a> for the starting XI against Real Oviedo on Matchday 2 of the 2025/26 LaLiga season, the teenager from Azul, Argentina, became the youngest <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a> starter in a domestic league match in the last 20 years.



According to stats expert OptaJavier, Mastantuono—just 18 years and 10 days old—claimed the milestone previously held by Brazilian wonderkid <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/endrick">Endrick</a>, who started against Getafe on Matchday 33 of the 2024/25 season.



Mastantuono featured for 63 minutes at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere before being replaced by Brahim Díaz, making an immediate impression with his composure and confidence on the ball. The date, August 24, 2025, will be remembered as the moment a new chapter began for Real Madrid’s next potential star.



<h2>Joining a historic list</h2>



The teenager’s breakthrough not only surpassed Endrick’s mark but also pushed aside another historic record. Mastantuono’s appearance came earlier than that of Miguel Pardeza, who started a league match for Madrid at 18 years and 25 days back on January 31, 1984.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250825_WST_586582_Mastantuono-4-1200x675_3e887df7.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-586591" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25115029/Mastantuono-4-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25115029/Mastantuono-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25115029/Mastantuono-4-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25115029/Mastantuono-4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25115029/Mastantuono-4.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The full ranking of Madrid’s youngest starters features some illustrious names. At the top is Martin Ødegaard, who made the lineup on May 23, 2015, at just 16 years, 5 months, and 6 days. He is followed by Alberto Rivera, who debuted on June 10, 1995, at 16 years, 11 months, and 24 days. José Antonio Erice is next, starting on March 1, 1916, at 17 years and 1 day, while Raúl González, one of the most iconic players in club history, entered the XI on October 29, 1994, at 17 years, 4 months, and 2 days.


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Now, Mastantuono finds himself on that prestigious list, sparking excitement among Madridistas eager to see how far his talent can take him.



<h2>Looking ahead to Mallorca</h2>



Real Madrid continues its LaLiga campaign this Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu, hosting Mallorca on Matchday 3. After back-to-back wins—1–0 against Osasuna and 3–0 away at Oviedo—the team will look to maintain momentum.



Reports from Valdebebas training suggest that Mastantuono has a real chance to start again, potentially forming an attacking trident alongside Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior. For a player barely past his 18th birthday, the opportunity to line up with two of the world’s biggest stars underscores just how highly Xabi Alonso rates him.

Franco Mastantuono registers historic feat in his first start for Real Madrid

Franco Mastantuono registers historic feat in his first start for Real Madrid - World Soccer Talk

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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/xabi-alonso/">Xabi Alonso</a> raised eyebrows when he revealed Real Madrid’s starting XI for the second matchday of the 2025/26 LaLiga season against Real Oviedo. The spotlight was not only on the inclusion of young Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono, but also on the shocking absence of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/vinicius-junior/">Vinícius Júnior</a> from the starting lineup. The Brazilian had not been left on the bench without a clear reason since Carlo Ancelotti’s second tenure at the club.



From the moment the team sheet was announced, Vinícius became the talking point of the day. His omission triggered an avalanche of reactions across Spanish media and social networks.



When Vinícius finally entered the match in the 63rd minute, replacing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rodrygo/">Rodrygo Goes</a>, he made his presence felt immediately. In just over half an hour, the forward notched an assist and scored a goal, helping Real Madrid seal a convincing 3–0 win.



Yet it wasn’t his performance alone that grabbed headlines. Vinícius also argued with referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea, earning a yellow card, and clashed repeatedly with fans at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere. At one point, he gestured toward the crowd suggesting Real Oviedo belonged in the second division, provoking further hostility from the stands.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="800" height="1073" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250825_WST_586575_Vinicius-Jr_134b7a83.webp&amp;width=800&amp;height=1073" alt="" class="wp-image-586578" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25105924/Vinicius-Jr.jpg 800w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25105924/Vinicius-Jr-224x300.jpg 224w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25105924/Vinicius-Jr-768x1030.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Spanish media react strongly</h2>



The behavior of Vinícius Júnior reignited criticism that has followed him throughout his career in Spain. Josep Pedrerol, host of the popular TV show El Chiringuito, said during his opening monologue: “He is very good, but with his constant fights with fans, he’s starting to feel tiresome.”


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The newspaper Sport echoed that sentiment, writing: “The Brazilian striker was a protagonist not only for his contribution on the field but also for gestures he has made before, which once again inflamed the atmosphere in Oviedo.”



Carlos Carpio of Marca went further: “Since missing out on the Ballon d’Or, he has regressed as a player. Right now, he struggles to compare with any other Real Madrid attacker. The best thing he could do is focus on football—forget contract talks, inappropriate gestures, and arguments with referees—to recover his best form.”



Meanwhile, Diario AS, one of Spain’s most widely read outlets, summarized the evening bluntly: “Yawning, angry, silenced by Mbappé—Vinícius had a controversial night.”



<h2>Xabi Alonso defends his decision</h2>



When asked about the decision to bench Vinícius, head coach Xabi Alonso explained: “We have more than 20 players in the squad, and I will try to get the best out of each of them. Sometimes he will start and be important, and sometimes he will come off the bench and still be important. That’s going to be the tone throughout the season.”



Pressed again, Alonso added: “I agree that you cannot treat every player the same way. Each one is different. You have to demand the same respect, but relationships are different. In soccer, decisions are always made for the team, and I will continue that way.”

Vinícius Jr. sparks new controversy after clash with fans in Real Madrid’s vs. Oviedo

Vinícius Jr. sparks new controversy after clash with fans in Real Madrid’s vs. Oviedo - World Soccer Talk

After dominating European soccer for nearly two decades, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> and Cristiano Ronaldo decided to write the final chapters of their careers on opposite sides of the world. The Argentine genius chose to bring his magic to Major League Soccer with Inter Miami, while the Portuguese superstar accepted a record-breaking deal with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/al-nassr/">Al-Nassr</a> in Saudi Arabia. Both moves shook the global game, but their results on the field have been very different.



Despite the eye-watering contract and global attention, Ronaldo’s Saudi adventure has been frustrating on the field. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has yet to lift a single trophy since arriving in Riyadh. 



His latest heartbreak came this past Saturday in the Saudi Super Cup Final, where Al-Nassr fell to Al-Ahli on penalties after a dramatic 2–2 draw. For Ronaldo, it was another missed opportunity, extending a drought that has left both him and his fans still waiting for that first taste of silverware in the Middle East.



At 40 years old, time is running out for Ronaldo to cement his Saudi stint with a championship. While his performances remain competitive and his global brand stronger than ever, the reality is clear: titles have eluded him since his move away from Europe.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250825_WST_586562_Cristiano-Ronaldo-1-1-1200x675_de02db8c.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-586569" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25101642/Cristiano-Ronaldo-1-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25101642/Cristiano-Ronaldo-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25101642/Cristiano-Ronaldo-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25101642/Cristiano-Ronaldo-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25101642/Cristiano-Ronaldo-1-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Messi’s American dream in Miami</h2>



Meanwhile, Lionel Messi charted a different course. After a turbulent spell with Paris Saint-Germain, the Argentine legend shocked the soccer world in 2023 by choosing <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a> as his next destination. For Major League Soccer, it was a historic moment: the greatest player of all time joining a league eager to make its mark on the global stage.


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Unlike Ronaldo’s experience in Saudi Arabia, Messi wasted no time making history. Within weeks of his arrival, he led Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy, the Leagues Cup 2023, delivering unforgettable performances and sparking a surge of enthusiasm across U.S. soccer. That victory not only rewrote the club’s history books but also energized the city of Miami, with fans flooding stadiums to witness Messi’s brilliance firsthand.



The success didn’t stop there. In 2024, Inter Miami captured the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the best regular-season team in MLS. Though the club later stumbled in the playoffs, Messi’s impact was undeniable: he transformed a struggling franchise into a legitimate contender and a must-watch team for fans around the world.



<h2>Two legends, diverging legacies</h2>



Today, the contrast between these two icons couldn’t be sharper. Cristiano Ronaldo remains title-less in Saudi Arabia, while Lionel Messi has already brought trophies, prestige, and global attention to MLS and Inter Miami. Both remain the faces of soccer’s modern era, but their late-career choices are writing very different chapters in their stories.

Cristiano Ronaldo misses another title opportunity with Al-Nassr: How many has Lionel Messi won with Inter Miami?

Cristiano Ronaldo misses another title opportunity with Al-Nassr: How many has Lionel Messi won with Inter Miami? - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/rodrygo/">Rodrygo</a> has become one of the hottest topics of the 2025 summer transfer window following reports linking him with a move away from Real Madrid after slipping down the pecking order. With only a week left before the window closes, head coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/xabi-alonso/">Xabi Alonso</a> has delivered a clear statement on the Brazilian’s future at the club.



Since Alonso took charge ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, fans have been eager to see how his system would reshape the squad. While Madrid reached the semifinal stage, Rodrygo’s role diminished significantly, logging just 93 minutes across six appearances.



That lack of playing time fueled speculation about a potential exit, with rumors resurfacing after the season opener against Osasuna, where Rodrygo remained an unused substitute. However, on Sunday against Real Oviedo, the 24-year-old returned to the starting lineup on the left wing, as Alonso made the bold call to leave Vinicius Junior on the bench.



In his postgame press conference following Madrid’s 3-0 win over Oviedo, Alonso was asked about Rodrygo’s performance, and the coach gave a direct response: “He had a good game. On the left side, he linked up well with Alvaro (Carreras); Arda (Guler) and Kylian (Mbappe) were also drifting over there. He had a couple of shots, and it was difficult to find spaces with Oviedo sitting so deep.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250825_WST_586547_rodrygo-real-madrid-real-oviedo-1200x675_fb13e4be.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Rodrygo of Real Madrid in action during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Oviedo and Real Madrid CF at Carlos Tartiere on August 24, 2025 in Oviedo, Spain." class="wp-image-586548" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25011701/rodrygo-real-madrid-real-oviedo-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25011701/rodrygo-real-madrid-real-oviedo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25011701/rodrygo-real-madrid-real-oviedo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25011701/rodrygo-real-madrid-real-oviedo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/25011701/rodrygo-real-madrid-real-oviedo.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Rodrygo of Real Madrid in action during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Oviedo and Real Madrid CF at Carlos Tartiere on August 24, 2025 in Oviedo, Spain.</figcaption></figure>



After Rodrygo played 63 minutes in Matchday 2 of La Liga, Alonso ended his remarks on a positive note, making it clear the Brazilian still has a role to play. “I liked what I saw. After last week, we need everyone, and Rodrygo is one more piece of the team,” the coach told reporters.


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<h2>Manchester City, the only contender left for Rodrygo</h2>



While Rodrygo may not have the same superstar status as Vinicius or Mbappé, he remains a valuable asset for <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/">Real Madrid</a>, who have reportedly set a €100 million price tag as the minimum for any potential deal. At this stage, Manchester City are the only serious club still in the race, though the move hinges on several conditions.



According to Fabrizio Romano, City’s pursuit of Rodrygo depends entirely on the future of Savinho. Tottenham Hotspur are actively pushing to sign the Brazilian winger, preparing a bid worth more than €70 million in the coming days. If that deal goes through, it could trigger a domino effect that sees Rodrygo leave Madrid for the Premier League champions.

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso makes final statement on Rodrygo amid departure rumors

Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso makes final statement on Rodrygo amid departure rumors - World Soccer Talk

The 2025-26 season will be the final one before the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/">2026 World Cup</a> in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and both national teams and players are already setting their sights on the tournament. With the goal of earning a spot alongside Lionel Messi, an <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/argentina/">Argentina</a> star has reportedly turned down a €70 million offer from Tottenham Hotspur.



Following Son Heung-min’s departure to LAFC and the arrival of Thomas Frank as head coach, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/tottenham-hotspur/">Tottenham</a> have begun a squad rebuild as they look to build on last season’s Europa League triumph despite a disappointing Premier League finish. After losing out on Arsenal’s €78 million signing of Eberechi Eze, Spurs have now been rejected by one of their top targets.



According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham submitted an official bid to Como for Nico Paz worth over €70 million, including add-ons. Despite the financial upside for the Italian club, both Como and the player reportedly declined the offer.



Paz emerged as Como’s breakout star last season, prompting the club to secure his permanent transfer from Real Madrid. Now considered one of the team’s pillars, Romano reports that the 20-year-old views consistent playing time under coach Cesc Fàbregas as his best chance to secure a place in Argentina’s World Cup squad, even with Champions League soccer on the table.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20250825_WST_586541_nico-paz-como-1-1200x675_1027570b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="Nico Paz of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring their team&apos;s second goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Como, Italy." class="wp-image-586544" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/24210717/nico-paz-como-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/24210717/nico-paz-como-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/24210717/nico-paz-como-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/24210717/nico-paz-como-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/08/24210717/nico-paz-como-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Nico Paz of Como 1907 celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal during the Serie A match between Como 1907 and SS Lazio at Giuseppe Sinigaglia Stadium on August 24, 2025 in Como, Italy.</figcaption></figure>



In a recent interview with Diario AS, Paz reflected on his choice to represent Argentina over Spain: “I made the right choice and I’m happy with it. The national team motivates me, looks after me, gives me advice, and supports me in everything. Honestly, I’m very proud to be part of the Argentina national team. It’s a great honor.”


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Paz has already debuted with Argentina, assisting <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> in his first appearance against Bolivia, a moment he called one of the best of his career. With the Argentine FA including him on the preliminary squad list for the next international break, and after scoring and assisting in Como’s win over Lazio on Sunday, the young star is making a strong case for a permanent spot with the national team.



<h2>Nico Paz and Real Madrid’s future plans</h2>



Another key party involved in the talks between Tottenham and Como was Real Madrid. The Spanish giants still hold 50% of Paz’s economic rights and also have a €10 million buyback clause in 2026, a figure well below his growing market value.



According to Romano, Madrid opted against re-signing Paz this summer due to Franco Mastantuono’s arrival, but they continue to view him as a key part of their long-term plans. Reports suggest that despite the modest €10 million clause, Madrid would compensate Como further in recognition of the strong relationship between the two clubs.

Argentina star reportedly snubs Tottenham’s €70M offer targeting 2026 World Cup with Lionel Messi

Argentina star reportedly snubs Tottenham’s €70M offer targeting 2026 World Cup with Lionel Messi - World Soccer Talk

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