Real Madrid have confirmed the signing of highly-rated Argentine teenager Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder will join the Spanish giants in August 2025 after representing River in the Club World Cup in the United States this summer.
According to River Plate, the deal is worth just over €63 million ($72 million), with the Argentine club set to receive €45 million after taxes and fees. Madrid announced Mastantuono has signed a six-year contract running from August 14, 2025, to June 30, 2031.
Mastantuono, who debuted for River’s first team in January 2024, recently made history by becoming the youngest player ever to appear in an official match for Argentina’s national team, coming on against Chile in a 2026 World Cup qualifier earlier this month.
“Franco activated his release clause with the support of Real Madrid,” River Plate said in a statement, thanking the youngster for his contributions. “It’s been a privilege to watch him grow at our club. We wish him all the best in this new chapter after the Club World Cup.”
Mastantuono is Real Madrid’s third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth. The club also announced Xabi Alonso as their new head coach, replacing Carlo Ancelotti after a trophyless season.
congrats to him