Real Madrid’s summer transfer window of 2025 was marked by marquee signings and bold moves, but one name has quickly captured both headlines and hearts: Franco Mastantuono. The 18-year-old Argentine, signed from River Plate for a hefty fee, has not only made an immediate impact on the pitch but has also drawn high praise from none other than Angel Di Maria—a legend of both Real Madrid and Argentine football.
Real Madrid’s recruitment drive ahead of the 2025-26 season focused heavily on bolstering the defense, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras arriving for significant sums. Yet, it’s Mastantuono, the prodigious right winger and attacking midfielder, who has become the talk of the Bernabeu. Snapped up for £38.5 million (or €63.2 million including taxes and fees), the left-footed teenager was a hot commodity, courted by Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United. But when Real Madrid came calling, Mastantuono’s heart was set—he wanted to wear the famous white shirt.
Since his arrival, Mastantuono has wasted no time integrating into Xabi Alonso’s squad. By early October 2025, he had already featured in 9 of Real Madrid’s first 10 matches, starting 7 times and making 2 appearances in the Champions League. His stats—1 goal and 1 assist—may not leap off the page, but for a player so young, the numbers tell only part of the story. What’s truly remarkable is his poise, adaptability, and the way he’s made the right wing his own. With a left foot reminiscent of classic Argentine wingers, Mastantuono has brought both flair and urgency to Madrid’s attack.
Angel Di Maria, now 37 and plying his trade with Rosario Central, has been following Mastantuono’s progress closely. Speaking to DSports and quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Di Maria didn’t hold back in his praise: “He started the Champions League well. I think he has a lot more quality than me. Honestly, he made me very happy. He gets along so quickly with his teammates, his skill, that cunning, always wanting to take things head-on and take on the world, is a very good thing. They’re surely going to value him a lot.”
Di Maria’s words carry weight—not just because of his own glittering career, but because he knows what it takes to succeed at the top. Having won league titles with Benfica, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, and having lifted the Champions League and Copa America, Di Maria is a legend in his own right. His time at Manchester United was less memorable, but his overall legacy is secure. For him to declare, “He has much more talent than me (laughs). It really pleased me greatly. He gets on very quickly with his teammates, he is very skilful, he has that cunning that pushes him to always go forward and to want to conquer the world, it is something very positive. He will surely be very appreciated,” is a ringing endorsement for the young Madridista.
Mastantuono’s journey to Madrid was anything but straightforward. As journalist Graeme Bailey reported, Manchester United, under Ruben Amorim, were in the hunt and even held talks with the player’s representatives in the weeks leading up to his birthday in August 2025. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle all made plays for the teenager, but Mastantuono’s preference was clear. “He really does want to join Madrid,” Bailey confirmed, highlighting the player’s ambition to test himself at the highest level in Spain.
There was skepticism in some quarters about whether Mastantuono would find room in Madrid’s star-studded squad. But Xabi Alonso, himself a former midfield maestro, has wasted no time in making the youngster an integral part of his plans. Mastantuono has been used exclusively on the right wing, where his left-footed creativity and directness have drawn comparisons not only with Di Maria but with some of the club’s greats. Alonso’s faith has been rewarded with energetic performances, and the Argentine’s chemistry with his teammates is already evident.
Di Maria, reflecting on Mastantuono’s precocious rise, added: “To be 18 years old and do what he does, I find that he really has a lot of personality. I am very happy that an Argentine is back at Real Madrid and that he represents us as well as he does.” That sentiment resonates with fans in both Madrid and Argentina, who are eager to see Mastantuono carry the torch for a new generation of South American talent in Europe.
For Manchester United, Mastantuono’s decision to spurn Old Trafford in favor of Madrid is a bitter pill. The Red Devils, still searching for attacking inspiration, will surely watch his progress with a mix of admiration and regret. United’s loss is Madrid’s gain, and with Mastantuono already showing glimpses of brilliance, the Spanish giants look to have unearthed another gem.
It’s not just his technical ability that stands out. Mastantuono’s “cunning,” as Di Maria puts it, is a rare trait—he’s always looking to take on defenders, make things happen, and push the tempo. In a squad packed with established stars, his willingness to seize the moment has not gone unnoticed. While he’ll need to add more goals and assists to cement his place as a starter, the early signs are more than promising. The Bernabeu faithful, notoriously demanding, have already begun to take him to their hearts.
For now, Mastantuono’s story is only just beginning. He’s already become a regular in one of the world’s most competitive teams, earning plaudits from legends and fans alike. With his combination of skill, confidence, and ambition, he looks set to be a fixture on Madrid’s right flank for years to come. As Di Maria’s glowing endorsement suggests, the sky’s the limit for this young Argentine.
With the season still in its early stages, all eyes will remain on Mastantuono as he continues to develop under Xabi Alonso’s watchful eye. Real Madrid supporters can’t help but wonder—could they be witnessing the emergence of their next superstar?
