Real Madrid has entered a new era with Xabi Alonso taking the reins as head coach. One of his first major decisions was assigning the iconic number 10 jersey—left vacant after Luka Modric’s exit post-2025 Club World Cup—to promising Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono. In a recent press conference, Alonso expressed his confidence in the 17-year-old, stating, “He has the qualities of a future superstar and deserves the shirt.” This bold move underscores Alonso’s commitment to youth and long-term development.
Mastantuono, an attacking midfielder from River Plate, has quickly become a fan favorite. Known as one of South America’s brightest young prospects, he impressed at the Club World Cup with his creativity, technique, and vision. As reported by Diario Olé, Alonso told the teenager directly that he plans to shape him into a “classic number 10,” drawing comparisons to Madrid icons like Ferenc Puskás, Zinedine Zidane, and Luka Modric. This demonstrates Alonso’s faith in Mastantuono’s readiness for the responsibility tied to the historic jersey.
The 2025–26 season holds significant weight for Real Madrid as they aim to recover from a trophyless stretch under Carlo Ancelotti. Alonso, credited for revitalizing Bayer Leverkusen with an energetic and competitive style, brings renewed optimism. His past success as a Madrid player—236 games and six major titles, including La Décima—gives him authority within the squad. Still, handing such a prestigious number to a teenager has sparked both admiration and doubt. While some applaud the ambition, others question whether Mastantuono can shoulder the expectations.
This decision aligns with Alonso’s coaching philosophy. At Leverkusen, he was known for nurturing young talent. During his official unveiling on May 26, 2025, he stressed the importance of adaptability and communication. Choosing Mastantuono as the new number 10 highlights not only the player’s technical prowess but also Alonso’s vision of an imaginative, forward-thinking team. As Marca reports, Alonso intends to build around Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham—with Mastantuono orchestrating the play from midfield.
Yet challenges lie ahead. The demanding Club World Cup schedule, coupled with a blend of experienced players and newcomers like Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, will test Alonso’s tactical acumen. Managing a 34-man squad and replacing veterans like Modric won’t be easy. Additionally, players such as Rodrygo may see reduced roles due to Mastantuono’s emergence, complicating squad dynamics. Nonetheless, Alonso’s clear support of the young Argentine shows he sees him not just as a rising talent, but as a central figure for Madrid’s future.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Mastantuono’s debut wearing the number 10. While comparisons to club legends are unavoidable, the teenager appears poised and capable of handling the pressure. Online reactions reflect a mix of hope and cautious optimism, with supporters acknowledging that success will depend on both individual excellence and Alonso’s ability to craft a unified, high-performing team. As Real Madrid prepares for its Club World Cup opener on July 18, the spotlight is on Mastantuono and Alonso’s evolving vision for the squad.
By handing the number 10 jersey to Mastantuono, Alonso signals a blend of tradition and ambition. It’s a statement about the club’s future and the belief in its next generation. With support from the fans and the institution, Mastantuono now has the platform to write his own chapter in Real Madrid’s storied history. Whether he meets the moment remains to be seen—but for now, he embodies the hopes of a new era.
