Who Is Franco Mastantuono and Why Did Real Madrid Pay €45 Million for Him?

Real Madrid has signed talented Argentine footballer Franco Mastantuono from River Plate FC.

The Spanish club paid €45 million to River Plate, matching the release clause in his contract. This is now the most expensive transfer in River Plate’s history.

The 17-year-old has been playing for River Plate’s senior team for the last two seasons. He holds the record as the youngest player to score in the famous Superclásico match against Boca Juniors.

Just last week, Mastantuono also became the youngest Argentine player ever to appear in a World Cup qualifier, coming on as a substitute against Chile.

Real Madrid has signed a 6-year contract with Mastantuono, which will officially begin on his 18th birthday, August 14.

This is Real Madrid’s third major signing this season, after bringing in Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth.