Real Madrid have once again secured one of the world’s most promising young stars, beating out fierce competition from PSG and other top European clubs to sign Franco Mastantuono from River Plate for €45 million.
The 17-year-old winger, already regarded as one of the best U17 footballers globally, will officially join the Spanish giants in August 2025, following his participation in the FIFA Club World Cup with River Plate. The deal makes Mastantuono River Plate’s most expensive sale ever, surpassing Claudio Echeverri’s €18.5m move to Manchester City.
Franco Mastantuono at a Glance
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Club: River Plate → Real Madrid
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Fee: €45 million
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Market Value: €30 million
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Position: Right Winger / Attacking Midfielder
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Age: 17 (turns 18 in December 2025)
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Appearances: 61 senior matches
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Special Moment: Iconic free-kick goal vs Boca Juniors
From River Plate Prodigy to Madridista
Mastantuono made his senior debut in January 2024 at just 16 years old, becoming the third youngest player in River Plate’s history. Despite his youth, he’s already been trusted in big games like the Copa Libertadores and the fierce Superclásico against Boca Juniors, where he scored a sensational free-kick that solidified his status as a rising superstar.
“He has a huge personality,” said Scott Christensen, Transfermarkt’s South American Area Manager. “In tough moments such as the Copa Libertadores or Superclásico, he’s trusted. That’s rare.”
What Makes Mastantuono Special?
Mastantuono is a versatile attacker, primarily operating from the right wing, but equally capable as a central attacking midfielder. He’s left-footed, highly creative, and excels at finding space between the lines, where he becomes a nightmare for defenders due to his:
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Low center of gravity
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Agile dribbling
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Sharp passing
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Precise finishing
“He’s a small, offensive midfielder—as many Argentinians are,” Christensen added. “He’s very creative, has good shots and passing, and is hard to stop.”
Among the Elite: The World’s Second Most Valuable U17
Following the latest Transfermarkt update, Mastantuono’s market value rose to €30 million, placing him as the second most valuable 17-year-old in global football—only behind Barcelona’s €200m sensation Lamine Yamal.
Xabi Alonso’s Madrid Revolution Begins
Mastantuono joins a rapidly evolving Real Madrid squad, freshly inherited by Xabi Alonso, who replaces Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2025/26 season. This summer, Los Blancos have already signed:
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Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
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Dean Huijsen (Juventus)
Alonso will now oversee the integration of one of Argentina’s most exciting exports in recent memory, as Mastantuono becomes part of Madrid’s generational rebuild, combining youth and star power.
Record-Breaking Sale for River Plate
River Plate’s reputation as a talent factory continues, with Mastantuono becoming their record outgoing transfer at €45M. The deal dwarfs:
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Claudio Echeverri → Manchester City (€18.5M)
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Julián Álvarez → Manchester City (€17M)
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Lucas Ocampos → AS Monaco (€15M)
What’s Next for Mastantuono?
Mastantuono will remain with River Plate through the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, offering fans one last glimpse before his dream move to the Bernabéu becomes reality. Expectations will be sky-high, but with his composure, skill, and confidence, he seems more than ready.
Final Thoughts
Real Madrid’s acquisition of Franco Mastantuono isn’t just a signing—it’s a statement of intent. In an era where youth development and long-term planning are critical, Madrid continues to build the squad of tomorrow, today.
With Lamine Yamal lighting up Barcelona and Mastantuono heading to the Bernabéu, El Clásico of the future is already heating up—and we’re here for it.
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