The 17-year-old played in Tuesday’s River Plate game against Urawa Reds.
After seeing Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid’s recent acquisition, play in the Club World Cup for his current team, River Plate, supporters have voiced their opinions.
River Plate and Urawa Reds faced off in Group E of the Club World Cup on Tuesday, June 17.
Even though neither team is particularly well-known to European football fans, a number of fans tuned in to watch the 17-year-old Mastantuono play for River Plate.
“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,” the announcement said, confirming the Argentinean’s recent Real Madrid signing.
Mastantuono joined the first team for the 2024–2025 season after graduating from the River Plate youth program between 2019 and 2024. He won an Argentine Super Cup in February 2024, making him the youngest goal scorer in River Plate’s history.
“At the age of 17, he is also the youngest player in the history of Argentina’s national team to appear in an official match.”
According to BBC Sport, Real will pay River Plate about £38.5 million for the player.
During Argentina’s 1-0 victory over Chile in their World Cup qualifying match on June 6, the adolescent offensive midfielder made history by becoming the youngest player to play for the country in a competitive match.
Additionally, his performance on Tuesday night sparked a fast response from admirers on social media.
“Great assistance in the build-up,” one person commented. What a signing!
“Baller,” said another. started the initial objective.
“This is getting crazy—what a player,” a third person clarified.
“He might actually get minutes this season,” said a fourth commenter.
Marcelo Gallardo, his current manager, stated that “he wants to play” despite reservations about the teenager playing in the Club World Cup.
Gallardo said to DAZN, “I have a player here who is a member of our squad.” “He desires to participate. He will play if he is healthy; else, he won’t.
“We encourage him, we go with him, and he will play as long as he is with us and appears fit. It’s really straightforward and not particularly troublesome, intricate, or convoluted.
“What originates from outside is complicated. We are simpler in here. Not much drama needs to be made.
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