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.
On Tuesday (June 17), River Plate took on Urawa Reds in Group E of the Club World Cup.
Both sides may not be too familiar with European football fans, but several supporters tuned in to catch a glimpse of Mastantuono, 17, in action for River Plate.
The Argentinian was recently confirmed as a Real Madrid player, with Los Blancos releasing the news via a statement, which read: “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.
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“Mastantuono came through the River Plate youth academy between 2019 and 2024 and was part of the first team for the 2024-2025 season. In February 2024, he became the youngest goalscorer in the history of River Plate, where he won an Argentine Super Cup.
“At 17, he is also the youngest player to feature in an official match for Argentina's national team in its history.”
BBC Sport reports that River Plate will receive around £38.5m from Real for the player.
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.
And fans on social media were quick to react to his performance on Tuesday evening.
One said: “Great assist in the build-up. What a signing!”
Another added: “Baller. Initiated the first goal.”
A third explained: “This is getting crazy - what a player.”
While a fourth commented: “He might actually get minutes this season.”
There were concerns about the teenager featuring at the Club World Cup, but his current boss Marcelo Gallardo insisted that "he wants to play".
“I have a player here who is part of our squad," Gallardo told DAZN. "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.”
Topics: Real Madrid, River Plate, Football, Transfer News
Luke Davies