Argentinian midfielder Franco Mastantuono had an unforgettable night with Real Madrid. The 18-year-old netted his first goal in Tuesday’s victory over Levante, on a date that will be remembered for a remarkable coincidence with another legendary debut: Alfredo Di Stéfano, who opened his scoring account for Los Blancos on September 23, 1953.

A meteoric rise in the first team

Since his presentation on August 14, the day he turned 18, Mastantuono has shown steady growth under Xabi Alonso’s trust. After only four training sessions at Valdebebas, he made his first appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu, and just ten days after his arrival, he was handed his first start.

The Spanish coach has shown great confidence in the Argentine, giving him an increasingly important role. Out of the seven official matches Real Madrid has played so far, Mastantuono has missed only one, right after the international break. In the others, he has rotated between the starting XI and the bench, collecting valuable minutes in both Champions League and LaLiga.

A goal tied to Real Madrid’s history

Against Levante, the youngster displayed his character and talent. After a counterattack started by Álvaro Carreras and continued by Vinícius Júnior, a movement to the left from Kylian Mbappé opened space on the right flank. Mastantuono drove forward, feinted with his left, and unleashed a fierce right-footed strike that flew into the top corner at the near post.

According to Opta, at 18 years and 40 days, he becomes the second-youngest Real Madrid player to score this century, only behind Endrick, who managed it last season at 18 years and 35 days.

The date of his debut adds a symbolic twist: on the exact same day, September 23, but back in 1953, Alfredo Di Stéfano also scored his first goal as a Madrid player. More than a coincidence, it feels like the beginning of a historic bond linking Real Madrid’s present with its glorious past.