Franco Mastantuono’s dream move to Real Madrid became reality as the 17-year-old Argentine midfielder completed his record-breaking transfer from River Plate. The Spanish giants secured the teenage sensation for €45 million, though the total package reaches €63.2 million after taxes and fees are included.
The transfer represents River Plate’s highest-ever fee received for a player, eclipsing the previous record established when Enzo Fernandez departed for Benfica. This financial windfall will provide River Plate with crucial resources to strengthen their squad ahead of the Copa Libertadores campaign and remaining season fixtures.
Mastantuono’s journey to the Bernabéu began gaining momentum in July 2024 when Real Madrid first started monitoring the young talent. However, the Spanish club faced stiff competition from European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Chelsea, all vying for his signature. Despite the intense interest from multiple clubs, Mastantuono’s heart was set on Madrid, making his preference crystal clear throughout negotiations.
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The midfielder will officially don the famous white jersey on 14 August 2025 – coinciding with his 18th birthday. Before making the transatlantic move, he will represent River Plate at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, providing a fitting farewell to his boyhood club.
Prodigious talent with proven track record
Mastantuono’s rise through football’s ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary. Making his senior debut for River Plate at just 16 years old, he became the club’s third-youngest player in history. Within ten days of that milestone, he etched his name deeper into the record books by becoming River Plate’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
Across two seasons with the Argentine giants, the versatile midfielder accumulated 61 appearances while contributing 10 goals and seven assists. His technical prowess, exceptional vision, and tactical flexibility allow him to excel as an attacking midfielder or operate effectively on the right side of a front three formation.
The first phase of Argentina’s 2025 top-flight season showcased Mastantuono’s continued development, as he registered four goals and four assists across just 12 league appearances, demonstrating remarkable consistency for such a young player.
International recognition and future prospects
Mastantuono’s exceptional performances haven’t gone unnoticed on the international stage. Earlier this month, he earned his debut cap for Argentina’s national team during a World Cup qualifier against Chile, breaking yet another record by becoming the youngest player ever to represent Argentina in competitive action – a distinction previously held by Lionel Messi.
His dual Argentine-Italian citizenship will prove advantageous for his integration into La Liga, eliminating potential work permit complications that often affect young South American players.
Real Madrid’s technical staff, including new manager Xabi Alonso, are enthusiastic about working with their latest acquisition. The club’s strategy involves integrating Mastantuono directly into the first team rather than pursuing a loan arrangement, reflecting their confidence in his immediate impact potential.
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The six-year contract, running until June 2031, includes a staggering €1 billion release clause, demonstrating Madrid’s commitment to protecting their investment. This signing continues the club’s recent focus on acquiring promising young talent, following successful acquisitions of Endrick, Arda Guler, and Jude Bellingham.
