A Day to Remember Forever

August 14, 2025, will be etched forever in the memory of Franco Mastantuono. The Argentine not only turned 18, but was also officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player at the club’s Valdebebas training complex. Before putting on his suit and stepping onto the pitch for the photo session with president Florentino Pérez, the young attacking midfielder enjoyed an intimate celebration with friends and part of his representation team.

The party took place at a restaurant in the Spanish capital, where there were plenty of glasses raised for toasts and a cake with candles of all colors. Among the guests was former footballer Augusto Fernández, who shared a dressing room with Mastantuono at River Plate and, curiously, wore the shirt of Real Madrid’s eternal rival, Atlético. Photos from the gathering went viral on social media, showing a smiling and relaxed Mastantuono ahead of the biggest moment of his career.

From the Table to the Pitch

After the meal and the photos, Mastantuono met with his family—who had traveled to be with him on this unique day—and together they headed to the Ciudad Real Madrid. There, Florentino Pérez welcomed him with a speech full of praise, recalling the effort behind his arrival and the historic list of Argentines who have triumphed at the club.

The deal was sealed for €45 million (around $52.6 million), the amount of his release clause, and his contract will keep him at Real Madrid until 2031. He will wear the number 30, the same he had at River Plate, at least for his first season.

A Fan on the Pitch

Visibly moved, Mastantuono thanked everyone who made his arrival possible and promised to give his all for the club: “You will have a fan on the pitch.” A perfect ending to a birthday he will find hard to top in the future.