Real Madrid have confirmed devastating news for one of their most promising young players. Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old Argentine midfielder, has been diagnosed with pubalgia, also known as a sports hernia, following detailed examinations carried out by the club’s medical team.
The official statement on RealMadrid.com reads:
“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). His recovery will depend on the evolution of the injury.”
A Complicated Condition: Understanding Pubalgia
Pubalgia is a chronic overuse injury that primarily affects athletes who make frequent, powerful twisting movements — such as footballers, sprinters, and hockey players.
The condition causes persistent pain in the groin or lower abdomen due to inflammation or micro-tears where abdominal and thigh muscles attach to the pubic bone.
Unlike a standard muscle injury, pubalgia doesn’t fully “heal” with rest. It often requires long-term management, physiotherapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Medical experts warn that returning to play too early can lead to relapses and a career-long struggle with recurring pain.
Dr. Pedro Luis Ripoll, a sports traumatologist frequently consulted by LaLiga clubs, told El Larguero:
“This injury severely restricts hip movement, acceleration, and shooting ability. The player can participate in matches, but not at his best — his performance level is reduced by nearly 50%.”
The Science Behind Pubalgia
Physiotherapist Lluis Puig, who worked for FC Barcelona between 2000 and 2008, explained in SPORT that pubalgia isn’t a simple muscle tear but a structural imbalance.
“Different muscles attach to the pubic region, pulling in opposite directions. Over time, this creates tension and pain that becomes chronic. The solution isn’t rest — it’s careful rebalancing through core and pelvic therapy.”
He added that athletes with pubalgia must undergo targeted strengthening, flexibility, and compensatory training to avoid further strain on the pelvis.
Modern rehabilitation programs combine manual therapy, core stabilization exercises, and biomechanical analysis to correct movement patterns.
Not the First Football Star to Face It
Pubalgia has troubled several world-class footballers over the years.
Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi admitted during his Barcelona years that the condition forced him to limit his training sessions.
“Pubalgia is complicated,” Messi told The Mirror. “I’ve suffered from it for a while, and it’s not a problem that disappears overnight. You can play, but the pain never fully goes away.”
More recently, Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy, has also been managing the same condition.
According to sports journalist Alex Hoad, both Yamal and Mastantuono have played over 200 high-intensity matches before turning 19, putting extraordinary strain on their developing bodies.
A Big Setback for Real Madrid
The diagnosis comes at a crucial moment for Real Madrid, just days before their Champions League clash against Liverpool.
Mastantuono, signed from River Plate for approximately £38.5 million, had been making significant progress under Xabi Alonso, showing glimpses of his technical creativity and tactical awareness.
His absence will likely push Eduardo Camavinga or Federico Valverde into a more advanced midfield role, while Arda Güler could receive more attacking responsibilities on the right side.
Football insider Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X (formerly Twitter):
“🚨⚠️ Real Madrid confirm Franco Mastantuono suffers from pubalgia and he’s currently out injured.”
How Long Will Recovery Take?
Recovery time for pubalgia varies greatly depending on the severity.
- Mild cases may take 4–6 weeks of rehabilitation.
- Chronic or severe cases can last 3–6 months or even longer.
- In rare cases, surgery is required to repair the weakened tissues around the pubic bone.
However, there’s no definitive timeline for Mastantuono’s return. Real Madrid’s medical staff will likely adopt a conservative approach, focusing on pain-free training before allowing full match fitness.
Psychological and Performance Impact
Sports medicine experts emphasize that chronic groin injuries don’t just affect physical ability — they also impact confidence and decision-making.
Players subconsciously avoid explosive movements or sudden changes of direction, reducing agility and intensity on the field.
This psychological barrier, combined with the demanding nature of Real Madrid’s schedule, could make Mastantuono’s comeback one of his toughest challenges yet.
Looking Ahead
For now, Mastantuono will undergo a personalized recovery plan at Valdebebas under the supervision of the club’s medical department.
Fans hope he can follow in the footsteps of players like Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema, who both overcame long-term injuries to return stronger than ever.
Real Madrid are expected to release updates over the coming weeks, but the message remains clear: there is no quick fix for pubalgia. It demands patience, discipline, and expert medical management.
