Franco Mastantuono, one of Argentina’s most promising football talents, has vowed to “give everything” for his new club after being officially unveiled as a new signing for Spanish giants Real Madrid
Mastantuono sealed a landmark transfer deal worth up to US$72.6 million, the most expensive sale in the history of domestic football.
The 18-year-old forward, who landed in Madrid on August 2, was formally unveiled by the club on Thursday, coinciding with his birthday.
Speaking at the Valdebebas training complex, Mastantuono said joining Real Madrid was the realisation of a lifelong dream and pledged total commitment to his new club.
“Today is a very special day for me. A dream has come true, joining Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world,” he told reporters. “I still have a lot to learn, but I promise I will give everything for this shirt.”
Mastantuono expressed gratitude to those who had supported him back home. “Thank you to all the people in Argentina, who are very special to me. You will have a fan out on the pitch.”
He said he had already completed one of his dreams by playing for his boyhood club River Plate, which he described as the biggest club of the Americas.
The young Argentine completed a medical and has signed a six-year contract that will keep him at the Bernabéu until 2031.
He becomes officially eligible to play in Europe under FIFA regulations now that he has turned 18.
Real Madrid first announced the deal on June 13, having reached an agreement with River Plate for a package worth up to 63.2 million euros (approx. US$72.6 million). Of that sum, €45 million (approx. US$51.7 million) will go directly to River, the club that developed him.
The fee makes Mastantuono the most expensive transfer involving a domestic club, overtaking previous deals involving stars like Enzo Fernández and Julián Álvarez.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez welcomed Mastantuono, describing him as “one of the greatest young talents in world football.”
The club shared a photo of Pérez and Mastantuono holding up the number 30 shirt he will wear this season.
‘For me, it’s Messi’
The press conference also gave fans a glimpse of Mastantuono’s personality. When asked who he considered the best player in the world, his response was immediate – despite his surroundings.
“For me, it’s [Lionel] Messi. I’m Argentine and I think over the past few years he’s been the best, there’s nothing more to say,” said the youngster, referencing the former Barcelona star.
The attacking midfielder joins a growing group of global starlets at Real Madrid, including Endrick, Arda Güler and Leny Yoro. His move is part of the club’s long-term strategy to secure elite talent early on in their careers.
Mastantuono made his professional debut with River Plate and quickly became a first-teamer. In the first half of 2025, he played 23 matches, scoring seven goals and providing four assists. His performances drew attention from scouts across Europe, but it was Real who made the decisive move.
The youngster has already featured with Argentina’s senior national team and is widely tipped to play a key role in the future of the Albiceleste.
During his presentation, the teenager also thanked his new teammates and staff for “the welcome I received.”
“Today, a dream I always had is coming true and starting,” he added.
The timing of his arrival comes as Real Madrid look to rebuild following a disappointing season that included several heavy defeats. Expectations will be high under new coach Xavier Alonso, but the club appears ready to give the young Argentine the space and support to grow.
In Spain, media have begun to speculate about a potential new rivalry between Mastantuono and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, another forward who turned 18 this year and has already become a key figure for the Catalan club.
While that future remains to be written, Mastantuono is staying focused on the present. “You will have a fan out there on the pitch,” he said, reaffirming his commitment. “I promise I will give everything for this shirt.”
– TIMES/AFP/NA
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