Franco Mastantuono is counting the days until August 14 arrives. On that date, he will turn 18 and will finally be able to start playing for Real Madrid. It will be an unforgettable gift: training at Valdebebas and sharing a locker room with his idols.
Since he signed, Franco has shown that he wanted nothing more than to wear white. His inner circle always insisted that Bernabéu was his dream destination. Now that it's about to become reality, he is experiencing it with excitement.
However, not every detail is turning out as Franco Mastantuono imagined. In an ideal world, he would arrive with a chance to be important from day one. But the regulations prevent him from training before reaching adulthood.
Franco Mastantuono will only be able to start training from August 14
In no previous scenario did he think he would start with so many difficulties. Nor that the context would be so complex, even symbolically. Although his signing is exciting, he has had to accept an unexpected situation.
Gonzalo García, one of the reserve team's prospects, will keep the number "9" this season. Endrick, meanwhile, will keep the "16" in Madrid's first team. Franco Mastantuono, the latest arrival, has been left with no options to choose.
Confirmed: Franco Mastantuono will wear the number "25"
Franco Mastantuono will wear the number "25" on his jersey this season. It's the only available number in Real Madrid's first squad. Although it doesn't affect his future, the gesture has a somewhat bittersweet feel.
The "25" is usually a common number for backup goalkeepers or reserve team footballers. It doesn't have much symbolic weight or historical significance. Even so, for someone starting out, it's always exciting to be able to choose something different.
That said, the club explains that this is a temporary solution. As departures occur, he will be able to change it. The important thing, they insist, is for Franco Mastantuono to focus on adapting and growing without pressure.
Real Madrid sees the number as something temporary
The case is reminiscent of other similar precedents in recent years. Many stars started with high numbers and ended up becoming legends, like Vinícius. At Bernabéu, numbers are earned on the field and not through promises.
Franco Mastantuono is focused on what truly matters: working hard, improving, and waiting for his opportunity. He has already shown at River Plate that he has the talent needed to succeed. The rest, including the number, is just a detail.