Football history is littered with “next big thing” stories that never materialised, but when Thierry Henry starts drawing comparisons between a 17-year-old and the greatest players he’s ever seen, it’s time to pay attention.
Thierry Henry, a man who’s shared pitches with Messi, Ronaldo, and witnessed football’s greatest talents up close, sits wide-eyed discussing a teenager most casual fans have never heard of. The Arsenal legend isn’t just impressed – he’s genuinely stunned by what he’s seeing from Franco Mastantuono.
“One thing that always amazes me in football is you always think that there’s no way that someone is going to be better than Messi or Ronaldo,”
Henry revealed on CBS Sports.
“And then Yamal arrives, and then you have a new guy in Argentina – Franco Mastantuono from River Plate – already winning that derby game with a free kick against Boca Juniors.”
When Henry starts comparing teenagers to Lamine Yamal – the 17-year-old Barcelona wizard who conquered Europe with Spain and is favourite for next year’s Ballon d’Or – you know something special is brewing.
But who exactly is Franco Mastantuono, and why are Europe’s biggest clubs suddenly scrambling for his signature?
The River Plate attacking midfielder has been quietly revolutionising Argentine football whilst the world obsessed over Yamal’s European exploits. At just 17 years old, Mastantuono possesses the kind of technical brilliance and match-winning ability that has seasoned professionals doing double-takes.
His crowning moment? That spectacular free-kick against Boca Juniors in the Superclásico – Argentina’s most prestigious derby. Whilst most teenagers would crumble under such pressure, Mastantuono stepped up and delivered a moment of pure magic that sent River Plate fans into delirium.
According to top transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, PSG Sporting Director, Luís Campos is driving a major push to bring Mastantuono to the Parc des Princes this summer. Campos, known for spotting elite young talent, is reportedly a huge admirer. The French giants aren’t just window shopping – they’re actively working behind the scenes to secure what could be one of the most significant signings in recent memory.
Sources close to the Parc des Princes suggest discussions with River Plate are already underway, though the deal is far from sealed. PSG face fierce competition from England’s Premier League giants and Spain’s traditional powerhouses, all eager to secure the services of South America’s hottest prospect.
The Yamal Factor
Lamine Yamal is already making headlines after his brilliant season with Barcelona and heroics for Spain at Euro 2024. With 18 goals to his name this season, he’s already being named among the frontrunners for the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
But Mastantuono? He might just be the challenger no one saw coming — except Thierry Henry.
If PSG get their way, we could be watching the next great football rivalry unfold before our eyes — not Messi vs Ronaldo this time, but Franco vs Lamine.
Stay tuned as this transfer saga unfolds throughout the summer window.
