Franco Mastantuono Emerges as Real Madrid’s Youngest Champions League Starter

At 18, Franco Mastantuono has rewritten history as the youngest player to start a Champions League match for Real Madrid. The Argentine midfielder joined Los Blancos from River Plate in a club record fee and has quickly made his mark under coach Xabi Alonso.

A Record-Breaking Move to Madrid

In August, shortly after turning 18, Mastantuono completed his transfer to Real Madrid for a fee reported to exceed €60m including taxes. He became the most expensive sale in Argentine first-division history, moving on from the club where he rose through the ranks.

Despite the squad’s wealth of talent, he has already featured in four La Liga games and became Real’s youngest Champions League starter at 18 years and 33 days.

From Tennis Courts to the Bernabéu

Before focusing on football, Mastantuono was a promising tennis player, travelling Argentina to compete. His background in individual sport shaped his mental resilience and technical skill on the pitch.

With 64 appearances for River Plate, including 10 goals and 7 assists, he also holds records as the youngest scorer for the club and the youngest Argentine senior international.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Under Xabi Alonso, Mastantuono competes with established stars like Rodrygo and Arda Güler, but the coach’s faith has been vital for his confidence. Analysts predict he will need to build physical strength and adapt to high-intensity pressing.

Franco Mastantuono’s rapid adaptation to top-level football highlights both his rare talent and the effective development structure at Real Madrid.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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