With his high profile move to Real Madrid, Franco Mastantuono has entered the exclusive list of the most expensive transfers in Argentine football history. Here a look at the Top 10 most valuable signings involving Argentine born players:

1. Enzo Fernández – $140 million – From Benfica to Chelsea (2023)

Named Best Young Player of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, where he was crowned champion with Argentina, Enzo capped off a remarkable year that began at River Plate and continued with his move to Benfica in July. His quick adaptation to European football and his versatility as a box-to-box midfielder made him a priority target for Chelsea.

River Plate, who retained 25% of his rights, earned over $35 million from the move, making Enzo the most expensive Argentine footballer of all time and Chelsea largest investment in a player.

2. Gonzalo Higuaín – $106 million – From Napoli to Juventus (2016)

Juventus activated the Argentine striker release clause in a record-breaking move for Italian football. The transfer caused major controversy among Napoli fans, who felt betrayed by “Pipita” decision.

Higuaín had just set the record for the most goals in a single Serie A season with 36. His transfer was the third most expensive worldwide at the time, behind only Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.

3. Ángel Di María – $98 million – From Real Madrid to Manchester United (2014)

A World Cup champion with Argentina, Di María was sold by Real Madrid in a record-breaking deal. Despite the massive investment, his time at Manchester United was short-lived, leaving after just one season of a five-year contract.

4. Julián Álvarez – $80 million – From Manchester City to Atlético Madrid (2025)

Also a World Cup and Copa América winner, Álvarez became the most expensive sale in Manchester City history. While the exact figures are not official, Atlético reportedly paid $80 million fixed, plus $23 million in add-ons, for a potential total of $105 million.

City had acquired him from River Plate for $16 million, making this a massive return on investment.

5. Ángel Di María – $73 million – From Manchester United to Paris Saint-Germain (2015)

Despite a tough stint in the Premier League, Di María retained his value. PSG paid $73 million for him in what was the second-most expensive signing in Ligue 1 at the time.

At PSG, he won numerous domestic titles, though the Champions League remained elusive.

6. Lisandro Martínez – $66 million – From Ajax to Manchester United (2022)

The World Cup-winning center-back became the most expensive Argentine defender ever.

United paid Ajax $57 million plus variables to reunite him with Erik ten Hag. Lisandro quickly earned a starting role and the affection of fans, who dubbed him “The Butcher.”

7. Hernán Crespo – $66 million – From Parma to Lazio (2000)

For a brief period, Crespo was the most expensive footballer in the world. He had just led Parma to victories in the Italian Cup and UEFA Cup.

Lazio investment paid off immediately Crespo became Serie A top scorer in 2001 with 26 goals, helping the club win its first Scudetto in 26 years. He later moved to Inter in 2002.

8. Cristian Romero – $57 million – From Atalanta to Tottenham (2022)

After a stellar season in Serie A and shining for Argentina in the 2021 Copa América, Romero joined Spurs initially on loan.

Despite injuries, Tottenham made the move permanent, making Romero Atalanta most lucrative sale and the second-most expensive Argentine defender, behind Martínez.

9. Mauro Icardi – $57 million – From Inter to PSG (2020)

Following a controversial loan spell, Icardi convinced PSG with 20 goals in 31 matches across all competitions. At 26, he signed a four-year deal to replace Edinson Cavani, who was set to leave the club.

10. Franco Mastantuono – $72.6 million – From River Plate to Real Madrid (2025)

The River Plate prodigy caught the eye of Europe elite thanks to his spectacular talent and strong character on the pitch. Real Madrid beat out competitors and paid his release clause, completing the most expensive transfer ever from an Argentine club to a European one.

At just 17, Mastantuono is expected to become one of football next big stars as he joins one of the most powerful clubs in the world.

Who next to join this exclusive list of Argentine stars?