Franco Mastantuono has already completed three training sessions with Real Madrid. On Thursday, August 14—his 18th birthday—he was officially presented by Florentino Pérez at the Valdebebas training complex. Shortly after, he gave his first press conference. By Friday, Mastantuono was already training under Xabi Alonso, alongside the rest of the squad, fully focused on the 2025/26 LaLiga debut.
Since his arrival, there has been speculation about when the young midfielder from Azul, Argentina would make his first appearance for Los Blancos. Initially, many believed that given he would only have four practices before the season opener, Mastantuono might just be included in the matchday squad to begin adapting to the first team environment.
However, Diario ASreported on Sunday, August 17, that Xabi Alonso is considering giving Mastantuono his debut minutes during the second half of the opening fixture against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Adding to this opportunity is the absence of Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, both sidelined with injuries. This shortage in midfield options increases Mastantuono’s chances of stepping onto the pitch earlier than expected. Still, it’s clear that Xabi Alonso already has the teenager in his long-term plans, regardless of the current absences.
The lineup for Real Madrid’s LaLiga debut
According to Spanish media reports, Xabi Alonso’s likely starting XI for the opener against Osasuna would be:
Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Álvaro Carreras; Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni; Arda Güler, Brahim Díaz; Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.
see also
La Liga surprise: Why Franco Mastantuono isn’t in Real Madrid’s registered squad for 2025-26 season
Xabi Alonso’s “ideal XI”
Beyond the debut, Alonso’s ideal formation includes Mastantuono as a starter. The projected lineup is:
Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, Antonio Rüdiger, Álvaro Carreras; Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Franco Mastantuono; Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé.
see also
La Liga 2025 TV Schedule USA and Streaming Links
Bellingham, who underwent shoulder surgery after the Club World Cup, is expected to return by late October. Until then, Mastantuono could establish himself as an important rotational option in Real Madrid’s midfield.
