Franco Mastantuono, the 18-year-old Argentine sensation, has joined Real Madrid from River Plate for a record-breaking fee. Despite his youth, he’s already making an impact, becoming the youngest player to start a Champions League game for the club. His journey from aspiring youtuber and tennis player to football star is a testament to his exceptional talent and mentality.
At just 18 years old, Franco Mastantuono is already making waves as Real Madrid's newest sensation. However, the young Argentine's journey could have taken a completely different path. Before dominating the football pitch, Mastantuono harbored dreams of becoming a YouTube star and was also a promising tennis player, competing in tournaments across Argentina.
So, what changed his course? Simply put, he was exceptionally talented with a ball at his feet. Real Madrid secured the attacking midfielder's services from River Plate last month for a reported 45 million euros (£38.5 million). However, River Plate claims that Real Madrid's total expenditure on Mastantuono, including taxes and other payments, amounts to 63.2 million euros (£54 million), making it a record-breaking sale for the Argentine first division.
Following the announcement of the deal in June, Mastantuono officially joined La Liga after celebrating his 18th birthday in August. "Every player in the world dreams of playing for River Plate and Real Madrid," he told DAZN during his final appearance for River at the Club World Cup.
Despite joining a star-studded squad, Mastantuono is already establishing himself as a key player in Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid side. He has started in two of Real's four La Liga matches this season, making a substitute appearance in another. On Tuesday, at the age of 18 years and 33 days, he became the youngest player to start a Champions League game in the club's history, surpassing Endrick.
Mastantuono's impact extends beyond Real Madrid. The teenager, who has already earned three senior caps for Argentina, has made a significant impression in his home country. "Franco's time with our club has left a lasting impact," says Roberto Binzuna, president of Cemento Armado, where Mastantuono honed his skills before joining River Plate. "Only time will tell how long it will be remembered.
He is a remarkable young man with exceptional human and athletic qualities, excelling in any sport he played – an outstanding tennis player and an even better footballer. His presence always stands out among other players, even the older ones, and he possesses an incredible shot." Mastantuono's ability to strike the ball from distance has indeed caught the eye. One notable example is his free-kick against Superclasico rivals Boca Juniors in April, which he curled into the top corner from approximately 30 yards.
In addition to his shooting ability, the left-footed Mastantuono is agile and quick, effortlessly shifting the ball in various directions while dribbling. This skill has been evident from the beginning. "I remember he was always eager to get the ball. But what I saw set him apart," recalls Marcelo Olariaga, vice president of Club Atletico River Plate Azuleno, Mastantuono's first club. "Compared to the others, he ran very smoothly with the ball, always keeping it close to his feet."
Although Mastantuono often starts on the right wing, he makes a significant impact in central areas. In River's first Club World Cup match this summer, a 3-1 victory against Urawa Red Diamonds, Mastantuono drifted inside and delivered a precise pass to the left, which ultimately led to Facundo Colidio's opening goal.
Statistically, Mastantuono has played 64 times for River, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists. At the age of 16, he became the youngest player to score for the Argentine giants with the famous red sash. Furthermore, he is the youngest player to represent Argentina's senior team competitively, achieving this milestone against Chile in June.
Born in Azul, a small city south of Buenos Aires, Mastantuono grew up in a typical neighborhood, with modest houses and a square where he enjoyed playing football. "I remember Franquito as a young boy. His coach was his father, Cristian, and he always accompanied him," says Olariaga. "He developed within the system, fortunate to have his father as his coach. A talented group of players emerged from that environment."
Even if football hadn't taken over, Mastantuono might have pursued tennis, as those close to him were aware of his skills with a racket. The sport has undoubtedly influenced his overall game. "Through tennis, I've met many people. Traveling around the country and competing in a sport where the mental aspect is crucial has helped me develop as a footballer," Mastantuono stated in an interview with Argentine outlet Olé in March.
That mental strength has enabled him to handle the pressure of River's 85,000-plus capacity Estadio Monumental, where fans will miss his magic. He is, of course, not the only talented player to emerge from the River Plate academy. Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid, Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea, Claudio Echeverri of Manchester City, and Manuel Lanzini, formerly of West Ham, all honed their skills at the Buenos Aires club.
Olariaga believes that Mastantuono is at least on par with these individuals, attributing his success to his mentality – a crucial attribute for any Real Madrid player – and his technique. "Franco wasn't always a leader," says Olariaga. "He was a great teammate. All the boys who played with him will tell you that he influenced them through his personality, encouraging them. He always carried the team on his shoulders during difficult moments.
His progress has been remarkable, dazzling you day by day. If his father were to say, 'The kid's destiny is to play for Real Madrid – what do you think?' Then I would say, yes – because of his personality." If there was a potential obstacle, it would be that Real coach Xabi Alonso, while willing to give youth players opportunities, has numerous attacking options and requires deeper-lying midfielders to replace Luka Modric and Toni Kroos.
Nevertheless, it was Alonso who played a key role in convincing Mastantuono to choose Real over other top European clubs. "The way he spoke to me was incredible," said the teenager. "I'm extremely grateful for that. The conversation was very influential because having the manager's backing is a significant vote of confidence for a player.
Leaving a club like River Plate is not easy. His words truly motivated me to take that leap. What's happening to me is unique, and I'm very thankful for football and for life." Mastantuono faces competition from players such as Rodrygo, Arda Guler, and Brahim Díaz for playing time. However, given that he is still under 18, he has plenty of time to develop.
His areas for improvement will likely be physical – gaining weight and strength – and his understanding of pressing without the ball, as is typical for top-tier European teams," suggests Tom Nash, co-host of the River Pod podcast. Evaluating the deal, Eduardo Ferreira, a football agent with experience in the European and South American markets, says: "There's a risk with everything.
The player possesses a talent level, already demonstrated on the pitch, that is above average for players his age, so they will prepare and continue developing him in a much better environment. Real Madrid has a methodology for developing talent to minimize risks and has a proven track record, demonstrated time and time again."