A Birthday in White

Argentine Franco Mastantuono experienced an unforgettable day at Valdebebas, where he was officially presented as a new Real Madrid player on the same day he turned 18. Accompanied by his family, club president Florentino Pérez, and board members, he signed his contract and posed in the trophy room wearing the number 30, the same he used during his time at River Plate, which he will wear for now as a player registered with the reserve team.

The choice of number is no coincidence: it’s the one that accompanied him in Argentina and with which he played his first professional matches. Although it is reserved for Castilla players, he does not rule out changing it if a spot opens up in the first-team squad. For Mastantuono, this step represents the culmination of months of negotiations and the start of a challenge that will require him to adapt quickly to the elite of European football.

Pérez was full of praise: “Today, one of the greatest talents to emerge in world football joins our club. Welcome, and thank you for wanting to be here with us.” The president also recalled the club’s historic tradition of signing Argentine players and highlighted the midfielder’s potential to become a key figure. Mastantuono, for his part, thanked the support of his closest circle and promised total commitment: “On the pitch, you will have one more fan.”

First Words as a Madridista

After the event, Mastantuono spoke to the media about his first conversation with Xabi Alonso, saying the coach gave him “a lot of confidence” to fulfill his dream. He also revealed that he has already started integrating with his new teammates, singling out Jude Bellingham, whom he described as “a player I admire and enjoy watching.”

On his style of play, he avoided labels: “I prefer others to describe me; I will do everything to help the team.” He also explained that he personally requested the number 30: “I asked the president for it because it excites me; it’s a special number for me.” His integration into training will begin immediately, with the hope of earning a place in a star-studded squad.

The Remark That Got People Talking

At the very end of the press conference, Mastantuono surprised everyone by naming one of his greatest footballing idols: “For me, Messi is the best player in the world.” A sincere statement that, while showing his admiration for a compatriot and football legend, will surely spark conversation among Madrid fans.