Franco Mastantuono has revealed that Xabi Alonso played a key role in his decision to join Real Madrid ahead of other suitors.
The Spanish giants agreed a €45 million deal with River Plate for the exciting young forward in June, beating European champions PSG to his signature.
Mastantuono, 18, was officially presented in the Spanish capital on Thursday, having waited until his birthday to complete the transfer in line with FIFA rules.
While speaking at his unveiling, the forward who became the youngest-ever debutant for Argentina in June against Chile in a World Cup qualifying match, revealed he was inspired by Xabi Alonso.
“[Coach Alonso] contacted me. It was very important for me that the coach showed that confidence in me,” Mastantuono told a news conference.
“Obviously it was a private conversation, but it influenced me a lot. It gave me a lot of confidence, and the way he did it, it meant a lot.
Yes, it’s true that various teams took an interest in me, I appreciate it a lot,” Mastantuono said on Thursday.
“I was lucky to talk to Luis Enrique. He was very clear with me, I appreciate it and congratulate him for the win [in the UEFA Super Cup] last night. He’s a great coach, all my respect and appreciation for him.”
Mastantuono will wear the number 30 shirt and has signed a six-year deal that keeps him at the Santiago Bernabeu until 2031.
“I’m an attacking player, left-footed, almost always playing on the right,” Mastantuono added.
“I don’t like to talk much about myself, I let others do it, but I’ll give my all to help the team and so that Real Madrid fans can identify with me.”
The 18-year-old could make his Real Madrid debut when Los Blancos open their 2025-26 La Liga campaign against Osasuna next Tuesday.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
