Real Madrid’s summer signing Franco Mastantuono who has emerged as one of the most coveted young players in the world, drawing attention at just 17 years old and seen as a future star for Argentina national team has shared details about his decision to join the Spanish giant.
Softfootball reliably learned that the midfielder will cost Los Blancos around €45m (£38m) and arrives as the latest highly-rated youngster to make the move to the Bernabeu. Speaking to TyC Sports, Mastantuono opened up about the pressures and ambitions ahead of the biggest step of his career.
Having lived away from home from an early age, the River Plate graduate believes he is already mature enough to handle life at the top level.
“Living in a boarding house and leaving home early made me grow up much quicker. So, honestly, I do not feel like I am 17
“I know I am, but I do not feel it. I face things based on my experience. Wanting to take things slowly just because of my age would be complacent. I am not like that. I want to chase everything that comes my way.”
Mastantuono follows in the footsteps of Brazil’s Endrick, who also arrived at Madrid shortly after turning 18. However, the Brazilian has struggled for minutes and has slipped out of the national team picture. The Argentine is determined not to follow the same path.
He admitted he would have continued to push for a place in Argentina’s 2026 World Cup squad even if he had stayed with River. He said:
“Playing at the World Cup is a dream, of course. I was already called up while still at River, so leaving was not about that. But now that I am going to Real Madrid, if I play well, maybe I have a better chance.”
Chelsea’s Estevao recently suggested that he, Mastantuono and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal could compete for the Ballon d’Or in future years. But the Argentine insists his focus is solely on his new club.
“He [Estevao] is a great player, but honestly, the Ballon d’Or is not something I am thinking about. First, I want to settle at Real Madrid, play and win. My goal is to win titles – La Liga, the Champions League, that is my ambition.”
he said.
Mastantuono has already featured in major South American competitions, including the Copa Libertadores and Club World Cup, as well as representing Argentina at both youth and senior level.
“The Champions League is something I have always dreamed of. I have spoken to team-mates and national team players who have played in it, and they say it is incredible.
“For us in South America, Europe feels far away, so to play in the Champions League will be a dream come true.”
The teenage attacking midfielder made history when he became the youngest player to feature for Argentina in a competitive fixture when he played during the side’s 1-0 World Cup qualifier win against Chile on June 6.
Softfootball reported earlier that Liverpool set to offer Konate plus £30.4m in blockbuster swap deal for Real Madrid star.
Liverpool are reportedly ready to offer Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid as part of a stunning swap deal that would see Brazilian forward Rodrygo head to Anfield.
