At a glance
- Real Madrid’s chief scout Juni Calafat was once considered the best in the business.
- As of late, however, buys such as Franco Mastantuono are hurting his legacy.
- Calafat reportedly fears for his future.
Real Madrid’s Chief Scout and Director of International Football, Juni Calafat, currently fears for his future according to Mundo Deportivo.
Until recently, the figure of Brazilian origin was among the most respected in the trade. This is thanks to pulling off coups such as the late 2010s purchases of Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr., and convincing them to join Los Blancos over rivals such as FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Calafat does this by getting close to the players’ families. He’s an expert in South American football, but the Franco Mastantuono operation has harmed a legacy stretching back to 2014.
Madrid agreed to pay River Plate €60 million for the Argentine. But in 2025/2026, he’s had very little impact often as a substitute mustering just three goals and an assist in all competitions.
As the international head of football, Calafat is also responsible for the expensive captures of Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras around that price.
Calafat’s days could be numbered at Real Madrid
As the architect of these €163 million misfires, Calafat could be fired by President Florentino Perez. Maybe he’s lost his touch, his eye for talent, and sweeping structural changes are expected in Valdebebas this summer.
Calafat has to take responsibility for his part, in what appears to be a second trophyless season at a club where that’s unacceptable. And at a signing outfit like Madrid, it is often buying smart and early that paves the way for success on the pitch.
Maybe he’ll get another transfer window and chance to prove himself. Or perhaps Perez has seen enough and thinks it’s time for a number of changes on all levels. That could include the scouting department.
