Franco Mastantuono Set for Shock Real Madrid Call-Up for Club World Cup at Just 16
Real Madrid is on the brink of finalizing the signing of Franco Mastantuono, the Argentine wonderkid who, at just 16 years old, is already turning heads across the football world. In a move that has surprised even seasoned observers, Mastantuono is expected to join Los Blancos for the FIFA Club World Cup — months before his 18th birthday.
Sources close to the club indicate that Mastantuono has already agreed to personal terms, with Madrid poised to announce the transfer next week. But the real twist lies in how Madrid plans to integrate the teenager into the squad ahead of schedule.
After consulting with FIFA, Real Madrid has reportedly identified a legal pathway that allows Mastantuono to change football confederations — from CONMEBOL to UEFA — despite his age. This clever administrative maneuver enables the club to register him in Spain well before his 18th birthday in August, bypassing standard restrictions on international youth transfers.
With Luka Modrić’s recent departure leaving a creative void in midfield, Mastantuono’s arrival comes at a pivotal moment. Coach Xabi Alonso is said to be enthusiastic about integrating the versatile youngster into the squad, especially with the Club World Cup on the horizon. Though still raw, Mastantuono’s blend of technical finesse, vision, and maturity beyond his years makes him a strong candidate to contribute right away — if only in flashes.
Madrid’s long-term vision remains clear: secure the next generation of global talent before the rest of Europe catches on. In Mastantuono, they may have struck gold again.
