Argentina and Chile players on the field with two circular insets showing a Spanish player and a man in a suit
FIRST TEAM

Henry is amazed by Mastantuono and says this about Lamine Yamal: 'For me…'

The French legend has compared the Argentine and the Spaniard with the greats in history and expresses his surprise at their level

Thierry Henry has delivered one of the most viral quotes of the moment. The former French striker, a regular commentator, has surrendered to two of the most promising young talents in current soccer: Lamine Yamal and Franco Mastantuono.

His reflection has surprised everyone: “Something that always surprises me about soccer is that you think nobody can be better than Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Zidane, Ronaldo Nazario, Pelé, Maradona… Then Lamine Yamal comes along. Now there's a player in Argentina, Franco Mastantuono, who wins derbies with free kicks.”

A phrase that has gone around the world. Not only because of the comparison with soccer legends, but also because he places Lamine and Mastantuono on the same level. For Henry, both represent the future of world soccer.

Mastantuono, the latest signing for Madrid 

Franco Mastantuono has been one of the main figures in the transfer market. At the start of the market, PSG seemed to be his destination, and he was very close to finalizing his signing, but the player's desire to play in white was key for Real Madrid to sign him.

A player wearing a River Plate jersey holds a medal in a stadium.
Mastantuono with River Plate | Real Madrid Confidencial

The club has finalized his arrival for 45 million euros and has signed a contract until 2031. He will join Xabi Alonso's squad after playing in the Club World Cup with River Plate.

This season has been his breakout and consolidation as a footballer. He has played 19 matches, scored 7 goals, and provided 4 assists.

In total, he already has 61 official matches with the first team, with 10 goals and 7 assists. These are spectacular numbers for a midfielder who is still 17 years old.

Mastantuono was born on August 14, 2007, and in just over two months he will turn 18. It's an age when many are just starting to make their debut, but he is already a key figure at River and has debuted with Argentina's senior national team under Lionel Scaloni.

An Argentine player moves forward with the ball while being held by a Chilean opponent during a soccer match, with other players watching the play in the background.
Mastantuono in his debut with Argentina | AFA

Lamine and Mastantuono: same generation and projection

Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, is also 17 years old. He will turn 18 next July 13. Both players are from the same year and are already starring in great moments with their respective clubs. Although Lamine is more established with Spain, where he is an undisputed star.

Henry has mentioned them together because he sees extraordinary potential in them. Two talents who, despite their youth, are doing things typical of established elite players.

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