Real Madrid Signs Teen Sensation Franco Mastantuono from River Plate

Madrid, Spain — Real Madrid has signed Franco Mastantuono, a promising 17-year-old midfielder from River Plate, for a record fee of €45 million (£38.5 million). This deal marks the highest transfer fee in River Plate’s history and secures one of the most touted young talents in football.

Mastantuono made headlines earlier this month by becoming Argentina‘s youngest player to debut in a competitive match against Chile. He has been an integral part of River Plate’s first team for the past two seasons, scoring in the high-profile derby against Boca Juniors.

The young star’s six-year contract with Real Madrid will officially begin on August 14, the day he turns 18. His transfer is the third this summer for Los Blancos, who have also acquired defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth.

Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Madrid moved quickly to finalize the signing. A club statement confirmed that Mastantuono would move to the Santiago Bernabéu after his birthday, ensuring that he remains with River Plate until the end of the current season.

Reports indicate that Madrid included a staggering release clause of €1 billion (£852 million, $1.16 billion) in Mastantuono’s contract, to deter potential suitors. The teenager’s decision to join Madrid was influenced by a personal call from their new manager, Xabi Alonso, enhancing their appeal.

Mastantuono’s journey to professional football has not been without obstacles. Initially pushed toward a career in tennis, where he faced setbacks early on, his passion for soccer ultimately prevailed. He joined River Plate in 2019, showcasing his skills with the youth teams before making his senior debut in January 2024.

Known for his versatility on the pitch, Mastantuono can play multiple positions including right-winger and central midfielder. His footballing abilities, including vision, dribbling, and maturity in high-pressure situations, have drawn attention from elite clubs, making his signing a significant coup for Real Madrid.