A multi-million investment made real

Franco Mastantuono was one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window. At just 17 years old, he lit up River Plate with his magical left foot, attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs. In the end, it was Real Madrid who won the race by activating his €63 million release clause. The negotiations with River were long and tense, but the deal was eventually sealed for a six-year contract.

Although he was officially announced weeks ago, the young Argentine is still unable to join the first team’s daily routine due to his age. That will change on August 14, when he turns 18 and becomes eligible to train under Xabi Alonso. And he’ll do so with a contract that places him above several established names in the squad.

Superstar contract before his first match

According to Capology, Mastantuono will earn €3.5 million net per season, a salary higher than players with first-team experience like Gonzalo García, who he’ll be competing with directly, or Fran González, a regular starter last season.

When compared to other rising stars from River Plate, his earnings stand out even more. While Julián Álvarez will reportedly earn €6.6 million at Atlético de Madrid, Mastantuono still far surpasses the wages of other Argentine wonderkids. Take Claudio ‘Diablito’ Echeverri, for example—he’s already debuted and scored with Manchester City, yet will earn just €900,000 per year in the Premier League.

In short, without even setting foot on a European pitch, Mastantuono is already one of the highest-paid teenagers in world football. Real Madrid didn’t just buy potential—they bet big from day one.