Real Madrid Signs Franco Mastantuono from River Plate in Record-Breaking Deal
Danny Jefferson | August 1, 2025
Franco Mastantuono in Seattle at the final Club World Cup group stage match between Inter and River Plate on June 23, 2025. / Danny Jefferson Independent. Frames Copyright © 2025
Real Madrid has officially signed 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono from River Plate in a deal that makes headlines across both South American and European football. The move was confirmed in June 2025, with Mastantuono set to officially join the Spanish giants on August 14, the day he turns 18.
The agreement includes a total transfer fee of €63.2 million, making Mastantuono the most expensive player ever sold by River Plate and the highest-valued export in Argentine football history. Of the total fee, €45 million will go directly to River Plate, with the remaining amount covering taxes and associated costs.
Former River Plate F Franco Mastantuono in Seattle at the final Club World Cup group stage match between Inter and River Plate on June 23, 2025. / Danny Jefferson Independent. Frames Copyright © 2025
While the deal is finalized, Mastantuono will remain with River through the conclusion of their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign in the United States. He is expected to report to Madrid later in August, ahead of the new season.
Mastantuono, a product of River’s academy system, made headlines as the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer in early 2024 and recently impressed in the Superclásico with a standout free-kick goal against Boca Juniors. On June 5, 2025, he debuted for Argentina’s senior national team in a World Cup qualifier against Chile, becoming the youngest player ever to do so.
Former River Plate F Franco Mastantuono in Seattle at the final Club World Cup group stage match between Inter and River Plate on June 23, 2025. / Danny Jefferson Independent. Frames Copyright © 2025
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso reportedly played a key role in securing the signing, personally reaching out to the player to express the club’s vision and belief in his future. Mastantuono has signed a six-year contract that runs through June 2031.
Known for his technical skill, creativity, and left-footed precision, Mastantuono is expected to integrate into Madrid’s long-term midfield plans, joining a promising young core already in place.
For River Plate, the sale of Mastantuono is bittersweet. While the record fee provides a financial boost, the departure of such a young, game-changing talent marks the end of a chapter that had only just begun. The club had hoped to hold onto him longer, but with Real Madrid willing to pay the full release clause, River’s hand was forced. Fans will get one final look at him on the world stage as he competes in the Club World Cup before making the leap to Europe.
Former River Plate F Franco Mastantuono in Seattle at the final Club World Cup group stage match between Inter and River Plate on June 23, 2025. / Danny Jefferson Independent. Frames Copyright © 2025
From Madrid’s side, this is a long-term investment with clear upside. The club has built a reputation for locking in top youth talent early, and Mastantuono fits that mold perfectly. With players like Modrić and Kroos nearing the end of their careers, Madrid is clearly preparing for the next generation. While there’s no rush to throw Mastantuono into the starting lineup, his skill set gives Alonso another versatile piece to develop within the system.
All eyes will be on how he transitions to the European game. The pressure of playing at the Bernabéu, in front of demanding fans and world-class teammates, will be a test. But if his performances in Argentina and early international appearances are anything to go by, Franco Mastantuono is built for the big stage — and Real Madrid just might have found their next star.