'He's a great player!' - Franco Mastantuono congratulates Lamine Yamal on runner-up Ballon d'Or finish as Real Madrid youngster responds to comparisons with Barcelona star

Yamal was widely tipped for a high finish in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings, with fans, pundits, and former players all backing the Barcelona teenager to claim the prestigious award. However, the Spanish international finished runner-up, with Paris Saint-Germain talisman Ousmane Dembele taking home the award on Monday evening. Yamal didn't leave empty-handed, though, winning the Kopa Trophy for the second year in a row. 

Yamal received congratulatory wishes from Mastantuono, who has already started to be compared with his Clasico rival given they are both 18 and play in the same position.

"I congratulate Lamine Yamal on his second place in the Ballon d'Or. I think he's a great player," Mastantuono told reporters on Tuesday. 

When asked about being compared to Yamal, the Argentine international added: "Obviously, it's not my place to say that. I try not to compare myself to anyone, but rather to play for my team, which I believe is what ultimately leads to individual success."

Mastantuono started his fifth game for Los Blancos and his third on the bounce, as Xabi Alonso's side cruised to a 4-1 away win over Levante. The teenage sensation scored Madrid's second goal of the evening to finally open his account for his new team. Coincidentally, Madrid's eternal legend Alfredo Di Stefano – an Argentine signed from River Plate – scored his first-ever goal for the Merengues exactly 72 years ago, on September 23, 1953. 

"They told me [about Di Stefano's first goal] when I came in, it's unbelievable. It makes me incredible proud to share that day with him," said Mastantuono. 

"Of course, I wouldn't compare myself to such a great player, but these kinds of small details are lovely. It's a special feeling and an incredible moment. I've been waiting for tonight for a while and luckily it happened for me. And the team got a great result, so that's really positive, I'm really happy."

The talented young duo will face each other on the pitch for the first-time ever next month, when Madrid welcome Barca at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26. Before that, though, Mastantuono will be eager to continue his stunning start to life with Madrid on Saturday against Atletico Madrid.