The No. 25 Jersey and Its Weight in Club History

With the No. 25 on his back, the Mastantuono era begins at Real Madrid.
Franco Mastantuono now has his number for his adventure with the Merengues: the No. 25 shirt. Just days away from turning 18, the talented forward who came through at River is set to be officially presented on August 14, in a ceremony that will mark the start of his journey with the most decorated club in the world.

Choosing this number also represents a challenge: carrying a shirt that has been linked to great performances and decisive moments in the past. Although not one of the most iconic numbers in the squad, its recent history gives it significant weight. Iker Casillas, considered a living legend of the club, wore it for years while lifting multiple titles, including three Champions League trophies; more recently, players such as Thibaut Courtois, Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Junior have also worn it.

A Curious Link to His Roots and Big Expectations

An unusual coincidence ties the Argentine gem to his roots and this number: in the lottery, the No. 25 means “LA GALLINA” (“The Hen”), one of the nicknames of River Plate.

His arrival comes amid huge expectations: the Merengues paid €45 million for his transfer, securing him until June 2031 with a deal worth around €4 million per season. The move is seen as a long-term investment, banking on his potential to become a key player for the future.