Franco Mastantuono Fires Back at ‘Disaster’ Claims After Milestone Real Madrid Goal

Real Madrid youngster Franco Mastantuono has hit back at critics who branded him a ‘disaster’ after scoring a milestone Champions League goal against AS Monaco.

Mastantuono scored Los Blancos’ third goal in their emphatic 6-1 victory over the Ligue 1 side on Tuesday night.

Aged 18 years and 159 days, Mastantuono has become the third youngest scorer for Real Madrid in Champions League history. Endrick (18 years and 59 days) and Raul (18 years and 113 days) hold the top two spots.

Mastantuono’s general play was also commendable. He regularly made dummy runs to create space for Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, helping them be more impactful.

Mbappe scored a brace to match Cristiano Ronaldo’s record, while Vinicius Jr. scored one goal and created three, winning the Player of the Match award.

Mastantuno Fires Back At Critics Who Called Him a Real Madrid Disaster

Amid Real Madrid’s poor run of form, Franco Mastantuono faced intense scrutiny. There were claims that Real Madrid were worried about Mastantuono, having spent €45 million on signing the teenager from River Plate.

After arguably his best performance of the season, Mastantuono addressed the criticism he has had to face.

Reflecting on his first few months at Real Madrid, Mastantuono said:

“I played quite a few matches for a kid arriving at Real Madrid at 18. There’s still half the season left; the most decisive part. This isn’t over.

“Things don’t always go well, and you have to admit it. They weren’t my best games. This goal helps clear my head.”

He continued:

18-year-old Franco Mastantuono scores his first Champions League goal pic.twitter.com/zrQd6AxD7F

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 20, 2026

“I understand criticism. But when it’s with bad intentions… they said that I was a disaster.

“I don’t believe I’m Messi, nor that I’m the worst signing Real Madrid have made.”

Mastantuono also opened up about adapting in the Spanish capital.

“I arrived from Argentina as a kid. It was a completely new life, and that takes adaptation.

“I’ve always tried to stay positive, learn, improve, and fight for what’s best for the team.”

Against Monaco, Mastantuono completed 20 passes with 95% accuracy, created three chances, made three recoveries, won four duels, and drew three fouls. He made way for Gonzalo Garcia in the 71st minute.

New Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has been vocal about giving younger players the opportunity to shine. Mastantuono made the most of his shot on Tuesday night, and he should get more minutes if he maintains his form.

So far, Mastantuono has played 20 games for Los Blancos in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing an assist.