Mastantuono’s First Words as Real Madrid Player: ‘I’m Living My Dream’

On 14 August 2025, Franco Mastantuono stepped into the spotlight at Real Madrid City for his official unveiling as a Real Madrid player. The date could not have been more symbolic—it was his 18th birthday, the day he could finally sign and be presented to the world’s biggest football club. Standing before the cameras, wearing a bright smile and holding up the iconic white shirt, Mastantuono declared with emotion:

“Today is a very special day to me. I’m living my dream. I’m joining the biggest club in the world.”

The journey to this moment has been swift but meticulously planned. Just two weeks earlier, Mastantuono had quietly arrived in Madrid to begin training individually under the club’s supervision. Due to FIFA rules on international transfers for minors, he could not formally join until his 18th birthday. Now, those regulations are behind him, and his life as a Madridista begins.

The deal that brought him to Spain is historic. Real Madrid activated his release clause of €45 million, but with taxes and additional fees, the total package rises to approximately €63.2 million—making it the most expensive transfer in Argentine football history. For River Plate, it’s a bittersweet farewell; the club will pocket the largest transfer fee in its history, but they lose a generational talent who was already becoming a fan favourite.

The agreement between both clubs was finalised back in June, with the understanding that Mastantuono would remain in Argentina until August. Even though he holds Italian citizenship, which could have eased the process, Madrid chose to follow FIFA’s strict guidelines to the letter. It was a transfer carried out with patience and precision—hallmarks of Real Madrid’s recruitment strategy.

Before making the move, Mastantuono left his mark at River Plate. He became the youngest player ever to debut for Argentina’s senior national team in a World Cup qualifier against Chile, a record that underlines just how quickly he has risen through the footballing ranks. At River, his creativity, vision, and technical elegance drew comparisons to James Rodríguez and Marcelo Gallardo—players celebrated for their intelligence and artistry on the ball rather than raw pace.

This move also extends a proud tradition between River Plate and Real Madrid. From Alfredo Di Stéfano to Gonzalo Higuaín, the pathway between the Monumental Stadium and the Santiago Bernabéu is lined with stars who have left their mark on Spanish football. Mastantuono now joins that list, carrying both the hopes of Argentine fans and the high expectations of Madridistas.

At his unveiling, the young midfielder reserved special thanks for Florentino Pérez and chief scout Juni Calafat, the architect behind many of Madrid’s modern-day signings. He also revealed that a personal phone call from head coach Xabi Alonso was decisive in his choice to join Los Blancos, despite interest from other European giants. That conversation, he said, convinced him that Real Madrid was the perfect place to grow as a player and as a person.

Mastantuono has chosen to wear the No. 30 shirt, the same number he wore at River Plate. He described the number as “special” and said it would be an honour to represent it on the pitch for Real Madrid. Initially, he will train with the first team but is expected to adapt gradually, integrating into Xabi Alonso’s system before becoming a permanent fixture in the squad.

National team coach Lionel Scaloni has praised the move as a major step forward for the youngster’s career, while also urging patience. He reminded fans and media alike that despite the price tag and the spotlight, Mastantuono is still developing and must be allowed the time to adjust to life in Europe and the demands of playing for the most decorated club in world football.

For Mastantuono, however, this is more than just a transfer—it’s the realisation of a lifelong ambition. As he held up the shirt with his name printed on the back, surrounded by the gleaming 15 Champions League trophies that line the Bernabéu’s halls, it was clear that this moment was the beginning of a new chapter. Franco Mastantuono has arrived in Madrid not just to play football, but to make history.