Kempes Challenges Mastantuono to Show Bravery at Real Madrid
Franco Mastantuono has been warned that talent alone will not carry him at Real Madrid, with Argentina great Mario Kempes urging the teenager to toughen up, take risks, and work harder if he wants to survive at the Bernabeu.
The 18 year old arrived in Madrid last summer for more than €60 million, hailed as one of South America’s brightest prospects. While his early La Liga appearances hinted at his potential, injuries and inconsistent form have slowed his momentum, prompting concern that he is struggling to cope with the demands of football’s most unforgiving stage.
Kempes, a World Cup winner and one of Argentina’s most respected voices, has delivered a blunt assessment of the situation. He believes the patience Mastantuono enjoyed at River Plate does not exist in Spain, particularly at a club where winning is expected every day, even in training.
The warning comes at a crucial point in Mastantuono’s first season in Europe. Signed as a long term investment, he was viewed by Madrid as a future midfield cornerstone. Instead, recent months have raised questions about confidence, adaptation, and whether he is imposing himself enough in matches.
According to Kempes, the environment around the Bernabeu demands constant personality and presence. Young players are not eased in gently, and reputations carry little weight once the ball is rolling. From the stands to the dressing room, expectations remain relentless.
Kempes highlighted bravery as the missing ingredient. He stressed that Madrid players must constantly demand the ball, attempt difficult actions, and accept mistakes as part of the process, rather than hiding within games.
To underline his point, Kempes pointed across the Clasico divide. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal was cited as the benchmark for how young players should embrace responsibility at the highest level. Despite his age, Yamal continues to ask for the ball, take on defenders, and play without fear.
For Mastantuono, the message is clear. Until he has the goals, trophies, and status of teammates like Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Junior, his value must come from effort and audacity. Kempes believes that means running more, pressing harder, and sacrificing himself far beyond the established stars around him.
The second half of the challenge is mental. Kempes dismissed the idea that belief alone is enough, insisting that personality must translate into decisive actions on the pitch. Effort is appreciated, but at Real Madrid, players are judged on influence and protagonism, not intent.
As the season moves toward its decisive phase, the spotlight will only intensify. Mastantuono has already acknowledged the extremes of opinion surrounding his career, rejecting comparisons to Messi while also refusing to accept labels of failure.
With silverware on the line and competition fierce, Real Madrid will need every player contributing. If Mastantuono can rediscover the daring edge that defined him at River Plate and pair it with relentless work rate, he may yet justify the faith and fortune invested in him.