Real Madrid's Mastantuono Sidelined With Pubalgia: A Pain Lamine Yamal Knows All Too Well

Last Updated:November 03, 2025, 18:38 IST

Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono, 18, faces an indefinite spell out with pubalgia, mirroring Lamine Yamal’s struggles, as both teenage stars battle this tricky injury.

Real Madrid's Mastantuono and Barcelona's Yamal (X)

Real Madrid’s teenage prodigy Franco Mastantuono has hit his first major roadblock since arriving in Spain.

The club confirmed on Monday that the 18-year-old Argentine has been diagnosed with a sports hernia (pubalgia) — a painful, stubborn condition that could keep him out for an indefinite period.

“After the examinations carried out today on our player Franco Mastantuono by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a sports hernia (pubalgia). Pending evolution," the club stated on its official website.

For top professionals, pubalgia isn’t just a lingering injury; it’s a career-shaping obstacle, affecting training, movement, and even shooting mechanics.

The news will frustrate Madrid fans who’ve been buzzing about the Argentine’s smooth adaptation since his move from River Plate.

Mastantuono had already impressed in early sessions and preseason appearances, but now faces an uncertain recovery timeline.

Pubalgia is notoriously tricky, not just painful, but also unpredictable. If not handled properly, it can evolve into a chronic issue that nags throughout a career.

That’s something Barcelona’s own teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, can relate to.

Yamal has been dealing with the same condition in recent months, and Spanish media have warned that the young winger’s problem could even require surgery if it doesn’t improve. Some outlets have dramatically dubbed the issue “incurable" — not entirely inaccurate for elite athletes who rely on explosive movement and quick turns.

The parallels between Mastantuono and Yamal are hard to ignore: two teenage phenoms, the future of their respective clubs, both slowed by the same old enemy that’s haunted stars before them: from Lionel Messi in his early days to Toni Kroos, Sergio Busquets, and Kaká later in their careers.

Madrid haven’t offered a recovery timeline, but for Mastantuono, patience and proper rehab will be key.

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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