Aritz Gabilondo, the international football editor for AS, has a rich background in sports journalism. Born in San Sebastián in 1980, he studied journalism at the University of Navarra and began his career at El País. Since 2002, he has been with AS, covering major tournaments including World Cups, European Championships, and the Olympics. Gabilondo is also a commentator on international football for various Spanish media outlets such as Cadena Ser, Movistar+, and Mediaset.
Recent discussions in the football world have highlighted the rise of young talents, particularly focusing on Franco Mastantuono, the promising player from River Plate. His career has been marked by significant moments, including standout performances at the U-17 World Cup and his transition to the first team under coach Marcelo Gallardo. His skill set places him among many other emerging talents from South America.
Real Madrid’s interest in Mastantuono aligns with a broader trend of clubs securing young, left-footed players who fit a particular mold: agile, right-sided wingers capable of creative play. This trend can also be seen in Chelsea’s acquisition of Estevao and Bayern Munich’s investment in Olise, both players who share similar attributes.
As comparisons with established stars like Lionel Messi arise, it remains to be seen how these young athletes will develop. At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal’s potential has ignited conversations about his path toward achievements such as the Ballon d’Or, overshadowing others such as Mastantuono and Estevao for the moment.
Additionally, the article dives into the emergence of young footballers like Karlo Kuranyi, who, following in his father’s footsteps, is making his mark in the youth tournament scene while representing Panama.
This focus on nurturing talent reflects a hopeful future for football, where new stars will surely emerge and surprise us on the global stage. The excitement around these young players suggests that the next generation is poised to leave a significant impact on the sport.