Franco Mastantuono is most likely to take the No. 16 shirt at Real Madrid for the 2025-26 season, as reported by Diario AS.

Real Madrid’s squad reshuffle ahead of the 2025-26 season is beginning to take shape, and one of the most exciting young talents on their radar, Franco Mastantuono, is expected to take the iconic No. 16 shirt. According to Diario AS, the teenage Argentine sensation is being lined up for the number as the club continues planning for a future dominated by young, elite talent.

The change comes in the wake of a domino effect in shirt number assignments at the Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé, having finally joined Real Madrid, has reportedly been handed the coveted No. 10 jersey, previously worn by Luka Modrić. Mbappé’s move to No. 10 was seen as a symbolic gesture, placing him at the heart of the team, both creatively and commercially.

That reshuffling leaves a gap elsewhere in the squad. Endrick, the Brazilian prodigy who had been wearing the No. 16 shirt, is now among the top candidates to inherit the No. 9 jersey—left vacant since Karim Benzema’s departure and most recently worn by Mbappé during his brief stint under that number. Endrick’s performances and physical development suggest he’s ready to step into the role traditionally filled by Real Madrid’s top striker.

With Endrick likely to take over the No. 9 role and assume greater responsibility up front, the No. 16 shirt becomes available. It’s the perfect fit for Mastantuono, who has made headlines for his mature displays at River Plate despite his young age. Known for his vision, technique, and footballing IQ beyond his years, the 17-year-old is widely regarded as one of South America’s brightest prospects.

Real Madrid have been actively grooming their next generation of superstars, and shirt numbers play a psychological and symbolic role in that process. Handing Mastantuono the No. 16 shirt signals that the club sees him as more than a youth team addition—it places him within the immediate orbit of the first-team project.

However, the club’s plans are not entirely set in stone. Final shirt assignments could still shift, depending on potential departures before the start of the season. Players such as Brahim Díaz and Dani Ceballos are linked with possible exits, and their movement could influence further adjustments in the squad number landscape.

Still, the hierarchy seems to be firming up: Mbappé as the new No. 10, Endrick stepping into the legendary No. 9 shirt, and Mastantuono being given a launchpad in the form of No. 16. For a young midfielder breaking into one of the world’s most star-studded teams, that number could quickly become iconic in its own right.

Fans have taken to social media to express excitement over the potential trio of Mbappé, Endrick, and Mastantuono leading Real Madrid into a new golden era. The club has already seen success with its young core—including Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Güler—and now looks poised to continue that trend.

There is also talk within the club of easing Mastantuono’s integration process, similar to the careful way Endrick and Güler were introduced. While he may not be a regular starter from day one, giving him a first-team number indicates that manager Xabi Alonso sees him as part of his broader tactical project.

As the pre-season draws to a close, the anticipation around Real Madrid’s young recruits grows stronger. Mastantuono’s No. 16 shirt may just be the beginning of his journey, but it marks the latest chapter in Madrid’s calculated plan to blend star power with emerging brilliance—ensuring that the club remains competitive not just now, but for years to come.