Franco Mastantuono (foto: Instagram)
Franco Mastantuono sealed a move to Real Madrid and became Argentina’s youngest-ever debutant in a competitive match — all on June 5, 2025.
Franco Mastantuono will never forget June 5, 2025 — the day he achieved two major milestones that marked him as one of world football’s brightest young stars.
The 17-year-old River Plate midfielder agreed to join Real Madrid, turning down an offer from Paris Saint-Germain in the process. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Mastantuono accepted Madrid's proposal, prompting the Spanish giants to notify River Plate and begin the final stages of negotiation.
"Mastantuono has a €45 million release clause in River, but his club will accept that Real Madrid pay him compensation in installments," Romano added.
With 61 senior appearances for River, along with 10 goals and 7 assists, Mastantuono's move marks a major step in his young career — but that was only the beginning of his historic day.
Later that evening, in a World Cup qualifying match against Chile, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni brought him on in the 84th minute. With that appearance, Mastantuono became the youngest player ever to represent Argentina in an official match, doing so at 17 years and 296 days.
Argentina won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Julian Alvarez. The reigning world champions had already booked their place at the 2026 World Cup, but Scaloni used the match to test future stars — and Mastantuono delivered.
Two career-defining moments in one day: a record-breaking national team debut and a dream transfer to Real Madrid. June 5 will forever belong to Franco Mastantuono.