Xabi Alonso Makes Bold Decision: Franco Mastantuono Inherits Real Madrid’s Iconic No. 10 Shirt
Real Madrid’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, has wasted no time stamping his authority. One of his earliest and boldest moves has been awarding the legendary number 10 jersey—vacated by Luka Modrić after the 2025 Club World Cup—to 17-year-old Argentine prodigy Franco Mastantuono.
Speaking in a press conference, Alonso declared:
“He has all the qualities of a future superstar and deserves the shirt.”
This marks a significant shift, emphasizing Alonso’s belief in youth and long-term planning. Mastantuono, a highly-rated attacking midfielder from River Plate, dazzled at the Club World Cup with his flair, intelligence, and technical ability. Spanish outlet Diario Olé reports that Alonso personally told the teenager he envisions him as a “classic No. 10” in the mold of legends like Puskás, Zidane, and Modrić.
As Real Madrid looks to rebound from a disappointing, trophyless season under Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso’s arrival brings renewed hope. His previous success at Bayer Leverkusen and decorated playing career in Madrid lend him credibility, but the decision to entrust such responsibility to a teenager has sparked both admiration and debate.
Alonso’s plan involves building the team around stars like Vinícius Jr., Mbappé, and Bellingham, with Mastantuono orchestrating midfield play. However, this could lead to reduced roles for established names such as Rodrygo, testing squad harmony.
Challenges await: managing a crowded 34-man squad, replacing veteran figures like Modrić, and navigating a packed Club World Cup schedule. Yet, Alonso’s philosophy of developing young talent, proven at Leverkusen, is now fully on display at Madrid.
Mastantuono’s debut in the iconic shirt is highly anticipated. Fans are cautiously optimistic, acknowledging the pressure but hopeful the teenager can rise to the occasion. Whether he can follow in the footsteps of Madrid’s greatest remains to be seen—but for now, he symbolizes the dawn of a bold new era at the Bernabéu.
