In a season where fortunes can swing with the flick of a boot or a manager’s tactical tweak, Real Madrid’s locker room is buzzing with contrasting narratives. On one side, Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old Argentine sensation, is enjoying a meteoric rise that’s turning heads across Europe. On the other, Vinicius Junior, once the face of Madrid’s attack, finds himself battling a dip in form and a shrinking market value. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé’s record-breaking exploits in the Champions League have only intensified the competition for stardom at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Let’s start with the story that’s capturing imaginations: Mastantuono’s rapid ascent. Just a year ago, the young midfielder was valued at a modest €10 million. Fast-forward to October 2025, and his price tag has soared to €50 million, having doubled in just a few months. That’s a staggering fivefold increase in only twelve months—a testament to his growth and the faith placed in him by manager Xabi Alonso. Mastantuono’s integration into Real Madrid’s first team has been seamless, with his speed, calmness on the ball, and ability to create space for teammates drawing high praise. As Transfermarkt’s Spain Market Value Coordinator Tobias Blaseio put it, “It wasn’t expected that he would immediately have an impact in the first team. But Alonso is far braver when it comes to integrating young players than his predecessor, Carlo Ancelotti.”
Mastantuono’s performances haven’t just been limited to the domestic stage. He’s already made his debut for Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina national team, adding another feather to his cap and drawing the attention of top European clubs. The buzz is palpable—every touch, every pass, every minute on the pitch seems to signal the arrival of a future superstar. “Mastantuono stands out through his speed, calmness on the ball, and his ability to create space for his teammates by playing the last or second last pass. His profile suggests that he could be a player whose market value could continue to increase quickly,” Blaseio observed.
While Mastantuono’s star rises, Vinicius Junior is navigating choppier waters. The Brazilian winger, who at the end of 2024 was valued at a staggering €200 million, has seen his market value tumble to €150 million as of early October 2025. That’s a €20 million drop since the last update and a €50 million slide in less than a year. The reasons? A combination of on-field struggles and shifting dynamics within the squad. Vinicius has managed four goals and five assists in 15 games across all competitions this season—a decent return, but not enough to maintain his status as Madrid’s attacking talisman. As Blaseio explained, “Since his failed attempt to win the Ballon d’Or a year ago, Vini has lost significantly in public prestige, and the public discussions around him also seemed to influence his performances on the pitch. The coaching change has further impacted his standings. Xabi Alonso clearly prefers Mbappé as the focal point, and younger players like Franco Mastantuono and Arda Güler have increased their standings, receiving more minutes on the pitch.”
Vinicius isn’t the only Brazilian feeling the squeeze. Rodrygo, another once-promising winger, has seen his market value drop from €90 million to €80 million and has been relegated to a bench role under Alonso. “Under Xabi Alonso, he is a bench player, a status he isn’t happy with,” Blaseio noted, hinting that transfer rumors could reignite in the upcoming window.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s new signings and emerging talents are making waves. Dean Huijsen’s value jumped by €10 million to €70 million, and Álvaro Carreras saw a €15 million increase, now valued at €50 million. Arda Güler, another beneficiary of Alonso’s youth-friendly approach, is thriving with increased minutes and is seen as a wildcard who could further boost Madrid’s unpredictability in attack.
But if anyone has stolen the spotlight this week, it’s Kylian Mbappé. The French forward, still just 26, etched his name into Champions League history by netting a hat-trick against Kairat. Mbappé opened the scoring in the 25th minute from the penalty spot after Mastantuono was fouled in the box, then doubled his tally in the second half before completing his hat-trick in the 73rd minute. With those three goals, Mbappé reached 60 Champions League goals in just 89 games—a feat that puts him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who needed 98 games to hit that milestone. Only Lionel Messi (80 games) and Robert Lewandowski (85 games) have reached 60 goals faster.
Mbappé’s market value remains robust at €180 million, matching Jude Bellingham and trailing only Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who holds the top spot at €200 million. Speaking of Yamal, the Barcelona prodigy continues to set the standard, while Real Madrid’s trio of Bellingham, Mbappé, and (despite his drop) Vinicius remain among the world’s most valuable players. Mastantuono isn’t quite in that elite group yet, but if his trajectory holds, he could soon be crashing that exclusive party.
The shake-up in market values isn’t limited to Madrid. Across LaLiga, young talents are making waves. Levante’s Karl Etta Eyong saw his value skyrocket by 300% from €5 million to €20 million, and teammate Carlos Álvarez’s valuation jumped by 150% to €15 million. Meanwhile, former Manchester United stars Marcus Rashford and Antony have experienced dips in their valuations, with Rashford dropping by 20% to €40 million despite strong performances at Barcelona.
Back in Madrid, the mood is a mix of optimism and uncertainty. Mastantuono’s emergence has sparked hope for a new era, while Mbappé’s relentless scoring continues to break records and lift expectations. For Vinicius, the challenge is clear: rediscover the form that once made him untouchable or risk being left behind in a squad brimming with youthful exuberance and world-class talent. As debates swirl about team chemistry and tactical preferences, one thing is certain—Real Madrid’s evolving roster is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories of the season.
As the league campaign marches on and the Champions League drama unfolds, all eyes remain fixed on the Bernabéu. Will Mastantuono’s value keep climbing? Can Vinicius reclaim his spark? And just how high can Mbappé soar in the record books? The answers are still unwritten, but the stage is set for more twists in this high-stakes football saga.
