Real Madrid have officially signed 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono from River Plate in a deal that has shattered transfer records in Argentine football. River Plate will receive €45 million (£38.5m) upfront, with a further €18.2 million in performance-related add-ons—making it the most lucrative outgoing transfer in the club’s history.
The deal was completed after Los Blancos activated the young star’s release clause, with Franco Mastantuono set to formally join Real Madrid on August 14, 2025, the day he turns 18. He will remain with River Plate through the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup before making the switch to Spain. This transfer continues Real Madrid’s aggressive recruitment of elite young South American talent, following high-profile moves for Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Endrick—and now Mastantuono.
Who Is Franco Mastantuono?
Franco Mastantuono is a left-footed attacking midfielder known for his flair, creativity, and vision in tight spaces. Able to play as a number 10, central playmaker, or drifting wide, the teenager has drawn comparisons to former Real Madrid stars Isco and Mesut Özil. His close control and quick decision-making mark him as a standout in high-pressure situations.
At just 16, Franco Mastantuono broke into River Plate’s first team, quickly becoming a fan favorite. He made headlines by becoming the youngest scorer in the club’s history and etched his name in the record books as the youngest player to score in the historic Superclásico against Boca Juniors. Most recently, he became Argentina’s youngest-ever debutant in a competitive fixture, coming on in a 1–0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile on June 5, 2025, at just 17 years and 296 days old.
Deal Structure and Contract Details
Franco Mastantuono has signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid that runs until 2031. The deal includes a massive €1 billion release clause, underlining the club’s belief in his long-term potential and their intention to protect the investment.
Madrid will pay River Plate €45 million upfront, with an additional €18.2 million tied to appearance and performance milestones. The move mirrors the “Endrick model,” with Madrid waiting until the player turns 18 to complete registration, in compliance with FIFA transfer rules. Franco Mastantuono also holds dual Argentine-Italian citizenship, which will ease his transition into European football by avoiding non-EU player quotas.
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Before his move to the Bernabéu, Franco Mastantuono will complete his commitments with River Plate at the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins in mid-June. His performances there are expected to offer fans a final glimpse of his immense potential on a global stage before he departs South America.
Once in Madrid, he is expected to integrate directly into the first-team squad under manager Xabi Alonso, who is known for nurturing technical talents. He will be joining a revamped Real Madrid side alongside other summer arrivals like Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. The club views Franco Mastantuono as a potential long-term successor to the creative legacy left by the likes of Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos.
A Statement of Intent from the Spanish Giants
Real Madrid’s acquisition of Franco Mastantuono isn’t just a transfer—it’s a declaration. The club continues to prioritize the recruitment of high-upside youth talent capable of becoming world-beaters. Beating out competition from PSG, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Milan, the Spanish giants made a decisive push to secure the Argentine prodigy.
For River Plate, the deal provides unprecedented financial gain, reaffirming their reputation as a world-class talent incubator. For Franco Mastantuono, it’s the beginning of what could be a legendary European journey. While expectations will be sky-high, the infrastructure at Real Madrid is designed to guide promising youngsters to global superstardom.
As the football world watches closely, one question looms: Can Franco Mastantuono follow in the footsteps of Vinícius and Rodrygo to become the next great South American to conquer Europe? Real Madrid are betting €63 million that he will.
