Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of 17-year-old Argentine playmaker Franco Mastantuono from River Plate in a deal worth just over €63 million ($72 million), the Spanish club announced Friday.
Mastantuono will remain with River Plate to play in the Club World Cup in the United States this summer before officially joining Madrid on August 14, 2025. His contract runs until June 2031.
“At 17, he is the youngest player ever to appear in an official match for Argentina’s national team,” said Real Madrid in a statement. The midfielder made his senior debut earlier this month in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Chile.
River Plate confirmed that the player and Madrid activated his release clause, with the Argentine club receiving €45 million after taxes and deductions.
“Thank you, Franco, for your talent and commitment. It’s been a privilege to watch you grow,” River said in a farewell message.
Mastantuono is Madrid’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. The club also appointed former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso to succeed Carlo Ancelotti after a trophyless season.
AFP
