River Plate's €63m Prodigy Set for Real Madrid Move
At just 17 years old, Franco Mastantuono is making waves in world football with his impending move to Real Madrid from River Plate. The Argentine wonderkid's journey to football stardom could have taken a very different path, as he once dreamed of becoming a YouTube personality and showed exceptional promise as a tennis player.
Record-Breaking Transfer
The attacking midfielder's transfer to Real Madrid represents a record sale for Argentina's first division, with River Plate receiving €45 million (£38.5m). When including taxes and additional payments, Real Madrid's total expenditure reaches €63.2 million (£54m). Mastantuono will officially join Los Blancos after turning 18 in August, following his participation in the Club World Cup with River Plate.
Early Career Highlights
Mastantuono has already made significant strides in his young career:
- Scored a memorable 30-yard free-kick against rivals Boca Juniors
- Became River Plate's youngest ever goalscorer at 16
- Earned Argentina's senior cap at just 17
- Featured in 63 matches for River Plate, contributing 17 goals (10 goals, 7 assists)
Playing Style and Attributes
The left-footed winger possesses a unique blend of technical abilities:
- Exceptional long-range shooting capability
- Agile dribbling with quick directional changes
- Versatility to play both wide and central positions
- Strong mental fortitude developed through competitive tennis
Development and Mentality
Roberto Binzuna, president of Mastantuono's youth club Cemento Armado, describes him as "a sensational young man with outstanding human and sporting characteristics." Marcelo Olariaga of Club Atletico River Plate Azuleno recalls his early days: "He ran very lightly with the ball, but always had it tied to his feet."
Mastantuono credits his tennis background for developing his mental strength: "Travelling around the country and competing in a sport where the mental aspect is so important has helped me grow as a footballer," he told Argentine outlet Olé.
River Plate's Production Line
The teenager follows in the footsteps of other River Plate graduates like:
- Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)
- Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)
- Claudio Echeverri (Manchester City)
- Manuel Lanzini (formerly West Ham)
Olariaga believes Mastantuono compares favorably with these stars, particularly praising his leadership qualities: "He always took the team on his shoulders in the difficult moments."
As Mastantuono prepares for his final River Plate appearances, including a crucial Club World Cup match against Inter Milan, the football world eagerly anticipates his next chapter at the Bernabéu.
