Real Madrid have officially unveiled Franco Mastantuono, one of the most sought-after young talents in world football, after completing a €45 million transfer from River Plate.
The Spanish giants agreed to the deal in July but had to wait until the Argentine starlet turned 18.
Mastantuono, who celebrated his birthday on August 14, underwent a medical and signed his contract alongside club president Florentino Pérez before being presented to the media with a replica Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, a watch, and a No. 30 jersey.
“I promise I’ll give everything I have for this shirt,” said Mastantuono. “It has always been a dream of mine to play for the greatest club in the world.”
Mastantuono made his senior debut for River at just 16 in January 2024, becoming their third-youngest player ever. Known for his creativity, vision, and lethal left foot, he can play on the right wing or as an attacking midfielder.
His standout moment came in April with a spectacular free-kick against arch-rivals Boca Juniors in the Superclásico.
Mastantuono is the second-most valuable 17-year-old in the world, behind only Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, with his market value recently rising to €30 million.
He becomes Real Madrid’s third signing of the summer after Spain defender Dean Huijsen and England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Real Madrid will begin their La Liga campaign at home to Osasuna on Tuesday.
