Real Madrid’s Mastantuono congratulates Yamal on Ballon d’Or runner-up finish

WEB DESK: Real Madrid’s promising young forward Franco Mastantuono has publicly praised Barcelona’s prodigious talent Lamine Yamal after the latter’s impressive second-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.

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The 18-year-old Spanish sensation Yamal was widely tipped as a favorite to clinch the prestigious award but ultimately settled for runner-up behind PSG’s superstar Ousmane Dembele. Despite missing out on the top prize, Yamal made history by becoming the first player to win the Kopa Trophy twice, a prize given to the best under-21 player.

According to a news report by the Spain’s national daily tabloid sport newspaper Marca, Mastantuono, who joined Real Madrid from River Plate this summer, took a moment to acknowledge Yamal’s incredible season following his own first goal for Los Blancos in their 4-1 victory over Levante.

“I congratulate him on coming second in the Ballon d’Or. I think he’s a great player,” said the 18-year-old Argentine.

Since arriving in Spain, Mastantuono has often been compared to Yamal, though the young Madrid starlet remains focused on his own path. “I try not to compare myself to anyone else, but to play for my team, which I believe is what ultimately leads to individual success,” he added.

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Interestingly, Barcelona had expressed interest in signing Mastantuono during his breakthrough days at River Plate, but financial constraints and other factors prevented the deal.

Fans will have the chance to witness these two young stars go head-to-head when Real Madrid host Barcelona in the highly anticipated El Clasico clash next month, a showdown that promises fireworks from both camps.