Real Madrid News
Real Madrid coach plans to offer new summer arrival a starting role next season
After announcing Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid appear to have made their third breakthrough in the market by signing Franco Mastantuono.
Although not official yet, the deal to sign the Argentine international is complete, although the announcement could get delayed due to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Aged just 17, Mastanutuono joins Real Madrid with immense promise and potential. But given his lack of experience in European football, one would expect him to receive the same treatment as Arda Guler did in his first season at the club.
Xabi Alonso plans to start Mastantuono
However, in an absolute bombshell report by El Larguero, it appears Xabi Alonso is planning to offer a starting role to Mastantuono next season.
This is quite significant considering the fact that the Argentine is just 17 and has only recently made his debut for the Albiceleste.
As per the report, Alonso’s plan is to deploy a flexible 4-4-2 formation next season, where Mastantuono may occupy the attacking midfield role alongside Jude Bellingham.
The River Plate starlet will be responsible for providing more creative output in the final third and easing the burden on Bellingham.
His presence may also allow the Englishman to become more expressive with his runs into the box. Bellingham had enjoyed a similar freedom in his first season, where he was able to score lots of goals.
Xabi Alonso is hoping Mastantuono can prove to be that X-Factor in the final third, who can allow Bellingham to operate in his own element.
Alonso, though, has no shortage of alternatives in that specific position, with Arda Guler and Brahim Diaz also fighting for a place in the starting eleven.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid relationship with Ballon d’Or organisers improving after major fallout – report
Real Madrid’s relationship with the Ballon d’Or suffered a spectacular fallout a couple of seasons ago during the saga involving Vinicius Junior.
However, according to MARCA (h/t Madrid Zone), relations between Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organisers are slowly improving and veering towards normality again.
Madrid and Ballon d’Or rebuilding relationship
The dispute erupted around the 2024 ceremony after Madrid learned that Vinicius Junior would not win the Ballon d’Or, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri ultimately receiving the award.
Madrid reacted strongly, deciding not to send their delegation to the ceremony in Paris despite several representatives being expected to attend.
The decision turned what should have been a celebration of Madrid’s successful season into a major controversy.
The club’s absence also made clear that the disagreement extended beyond disappointment over one individual award.
Relations subsequently became extremely strained. Now, however, the situation appears to be changing.
A significant change after 2024
For Madrid, rebuilding the relationship does not mean forgetting what happened.
The club felt strongly about the treatment surrounding the 2024 ceremony, particularly after Vinicius had been widely viewed inside Madrid as deserving of the prize.
However, remaining in a permanent dispute with one of football’s most prestigious institutions offers limited benefit.
Madrid routinely have players competing for the biggest individual honours in the sport.
Maintaining a functional relationship with the Ballon d’Or organisers is therefore the more practical position.
It is a work in progress to return the relationship to where it was before the 2024 controversy, but a first step is always good news.
A player like Kylian Mbappe is in the running to win the Ballon d’Or this year, and it would be important to mend fences ahead of a potential accolade.
Tensions beginning to ease
The important development is simply that the relationship is moving in a more positive direction.
It is significant considering how publicly and dramatically Madrid distanced themselves from the ceremony two years ago.
Ultimately, the understanding that the Ballon d’Or is an award decided by voting would help resolve a lot of this controversy.
There is absolutely no doubt that Vinicius Junior deserved to win the award in 2024 for the season he had, but that is in the past.
Madrid do not need to forget, but it is important that they mend fences with the organisers ahead of potential accolades for their superstars in the coming years.
