At just 17 years old, Franco Mastantuono said goodbye to Buenos Aires as he embarked on a new adventure in Europe. The young midfielder joins Real Madrid in a high-profile transfer from River Plate worth €45 million, and he does so with a clear goal: to follow in the footsteps of Alfredo Di Stéfano, the legendary player who also shined at both clubs.

"I'm really happy, I’ve waited a long time for this moment," Mastantuono said at Ezeiza International Airport before flying to the Spanish capital. Fully aware of the weight of wearing the iconic white shirt, he didn’t shy away from mentioning the historic forward: “He was a great player, a legend. I'd love to walk a path like his—playing for River and then for Madrid is something very special,” said the young star.

Although he still doesn't know what number he’ll wear, he admitted he would love to wear the famous number 10 shirt. However, he was respectful of those who may claim it: “I’d like it, but if Mbappé takes it, he’s totally entitled to it. He’s an idol,” he stated.

Heir to the No. 10 shirt and a prodigy from an early age

Mastantuono’s rise comes as no surprise to those who have followed his journey from the start. Daniel Brizuela, former head scout at River Plate, discovered him at the age of nine during a youth tournament in Azul, his hometown. “In the middle of a crowd of kids, he controlled the ball perfectly and made an assist that led to a goal. That’s when I knew he was special,” Brizuela recalled.

According to the former scout, it wasn’t just his technique that stood out early on, but also his intelligence in decision-making under pressure. “By the time he was 10, he already showed leadership and elegance. I always said he had a European profile,” he said. At 16, Mastantuono debuted for River's first team with remarkable composure, and now, just days away from turning 18, he’s poised to become a key piece in Xabi Alonso’s project.

Brizuela is confident that Real Madrid has landed a gem ready to shine: “I'm sure he'll be at the next World Cup. He's the heir to Argentina's No. 10 shirt.” He also praised the young player’s discipline and humility as keys to his success.

With an elegant playing style, tactical intelligence, and high pressing off the ball, the Argentine talent has even drawn comparisons to Zinedine Zidane. “He has some Zidane in him—classy, elegant, a white boots type of player,” Brizuela concluded. At only 17, Mastantuono is already igniting excitement among Madrid fans with a promising future ahead.