Franco Mastantuono, the young Argentine talent signed by Real Madrid, hasn't even started training with the first team, and he's already making headlines in European football. Despite not having debuted after leaving River Plate, the midfielder has surpassed Lamine Yamal in a ranking that measures the market value of underage players, according to Transfermarkt.

At just 17 years old and valued at €30 million, Mastantuono has become the most valuable underage footballer in the world. That top spot previously belonged to Lamine Yamal, whose valuation exceeded €200 million. However, after turning 18, the Barcelona star is no longer eligible for the underage category, leaving Franco at the top.

A record before even stepping on Valdebebas

European regulations prevent underage players signed from outside the continent from joining first-team training until they turn 18. That's why Mastantuono must wait until mid-August to begin practicing alongside stars like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas training ground.

However, his reign may be short-lived. Ayyoub Bouaddi, the 17-year-old midfielder from Lille, is close behind with a market value already approaching €28 million and is expected to take over the top spot soon.

In recent comments, the Argentine expressed his excitement: “Joining Real Madrid is a dream. I always said I wanted to play in Europe, but my dream was to play for the biggest club.” With his arrival, he becomes the first Argentine signed for Real Madrid’s senior team since Ángel Di María.

Real Madrid between injuries and future stars

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham has undergone successful surgery on the shoulder injury that has plagued him. The club hasn’t set an exact return date, but estimates suggest a recovery period of two to four months.

Additionally, former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque has publicly supported Xabi Alonso as a future coach for Real Madrid. “He has shown in every team he’s coached that he deserves this opportunity,” said the 2010 World Cup-winning coach.

So, as Mastantuono counts down the days to join the squad, a new chapter of hope, ambition, and promise is already being written at Real Madrid.