Fans have had their say after watching Real Madrid’s new signing Franco Mastantuono play for his current club River Plate in the Club World Cup.
River Plate Faced Urawa Reds in Club World Cup Group Stage as Fans Eye Mastantuono
On Tuesday, June 17, River Plate squared off against Urawa Reds in a Group E match of the Club World Cup. While these teams may not be household names for many European football fans, the match drew interest for one key reason: 17-year-old Franco Mastantuono.
The young Argentine talent, playing for River Plate, attracted significant attention following his recent move to Real Madrid. The Spanish giants officially confirmed the transfer in a club statement, announcing:
“Real Madrid C.F. would like to announce that Franco Mastantuono will join the club for the next six seasons, from 14 August 2025 to 30 June 2031.”
Franco Mastantuono: River Plate Prodigy Joins Real Madrid After Making History
Franco Mastantuono, the highly-rated Argentine attacking midfielder, has officially secured a move to Real Madrid after impressing at River Plate. The 17-year-old came through River’s youth academy between 2019 and 2024, earning promotion to the first team for the 2024–25 season.
In February 2024, Mastantuono made headlines when he became River Plate’s youngest-ever goalscorer. That same season, he also lifted the Argentine Super Cup with the club.
His rapid rise continued on the international stage. At just 17, he became the youngest player in history to appear in an official match for Argentina’s senior national team, featuring in a 1–0 World Cup qualifying win over Chile on June 6, 2025.
BBC Sport reports that Real Madrid will pay River Plate around £38.5 million for the teenage star. The club confirmed the deal in a statement, stating that Mastantuono will join them from August 14, 2025, until June 30, 2031.
Mastantuono drew further attention during River Plate’s Club World Cup clash against Urawa Reds on June 17. Though the teams may be unfamiliar to many European fans, the match attracted viewers keen to watch the young talent in action. His performance sparked strong reactions across social media, with fans already speculating on his future impact at Madrid.
Fans React to Mastantuono’s Performance While Gallardo Backs His Young Star
Franco Mastantuono’s appearance in River Plate’s Club World Cup match against Urawa Reds sparked a flurry of reactions from excited fans online.
One viewer praised the teenager’s involvement, writing: “Great assist in the build-up. What a signing!”
Another remarked: “Baller. Initiated the first goal.”
A third simply said: “This is getting crazy – what a player.”
While a fourth commented: “He might actually get minutes this season.”
Despite initial concerns about whether the 17-year-old would feature in the tournament following his confirmed move to Real Madrid, River Plate manager Marcelo Gallardo dismissed any uncertainty.
Speaking to DAZN, Gallardo said:
“I have a player here who is part of our squad. He wants to play. If he is fit, he will play, and if not, he won’t.
We support him, we accompany him, and as long as he is with us, if he seems fit, he will play.
It’s very simple. It’s not so problematic, not so complicated, not so complex.
What is complex is what comes from outside. Inside here, we are simpler. There’s not much drama to make.”
