Real Madrid has officially announced the signing of Argentine wonderkid Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. The 17-year-old attacking midfielder will join the Spanish giants on August 14, 2025, shortly after his 18th birthday. Mastantuono has signed a six-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2031.

The transfer fee is reported to be around €45 million, matching his release clause, though some reports suggest the total cost of the deal could reach as high as €63.2 million due to taxes and other fees, making it the most expensive transfer in Argentine football history. River Plate will receive €45 million directly. The remaining amount covers Spanish taxes (€11.8 million), payments to the Association of Football Players (€1.4 million), AFA Structural Funds (€0.9 million), Decree 510/2023 (€3.6 million), and other fees (€0.5 million).

Mastantuono will remain with River Plate to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States this summer before moving to Madrid. FIFA regulations prevent international transfers of underage players, necessitating his stay with the Argentine club until he turns 18.

The young midfielder made his debut for River Plate in January 2024 at the age of 16 and quickly established himself as a key player, making 61 appearances for the club and scoring 10 goals. In February 2024, he became the youngest goalscorer in the club's history. Mastantuono is primarily a right winger but can also play in central attacking midfield. He is known for his powerful left foot and ability to create chances.

Mastantuono has also represented Argentina at the youth level and recently received his first call-up to the senior national team in May 2025 for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. He is the youngest player to ever feature in a competitive match for Argentina.

Real Madrid's acquisition of Mastantuono is part of their strategy of securing top young talents from South America. This signing follows the arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool and Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, marking a busy summer for the Spanish club. Furthermore, Real Madrid has appointed Xabi Alonso as their new coach, replacing Carlo Ancelotti, after a season without major trophies.

Real Madrid has set a €1 billion release clause for Mastantuono, reflecting their confidence in his potential. He is expected to earn a net salary of around €3.5 million per year, with performance-based raises and a signing bonus included in his contract.