Fanco Mastantuono’s name has been generating buzz across Europe in recent weeks—and for good reason. The 17-year-old Argentine sensation has made his first public comments since sealing a high-profile transfer from River Plate to Real Madrid, and his words reflect both gratitude and excitement as he prepares for a life-changing move to Europe. But beyond the joy and anticipation, there’s a deeper story: one involving a key conversation with Xabi Alonso that ultimately shaped his decision.
In an interview with DAZN, Mastantuono spoke candidly about his journey and his thoughts on the transfer: “Any player in the world dreams of playing for River Plate and Real Madrid. I want to leave River Plate on a high note because it’s given me everything, and I’m very grateful. My focus is on River Plate and trying to win the tournament.”
His words come at a time of mixed emotions for River Plate fans, who are proud of their academy graduate yet saddened to see him leave. The teenager will remain with the club until August, when he turns 18, before officially joining Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s move for Mastantuono was anything but casual. The €63 million investment—€45 million in release clause and €18.2 million in taxes and fees—shows how serious the Spanish giants are about his future. And while PSG and other European giants showed interest, it was a personal touch that made the difference.
“The way [Xabi Alonso] spoke to me was incredible, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. The conversation was very influential because having the manager want you is a significant vote of confidence for a player,” Mastantuono shared. “Leaving a club like River Plate isn’t easy, and his words really motivated me to make that leap.”
Xabi Alonso’s vision for Mastantuono
Now, the mystery is over: Xabi Alonso doesn’t just see Mastantuono as a future star—he plans to integrate him immediately. According to reports from Spain, the Spaniard intends to use Mastantuono as a starting right winger in his preferred 4-3-3 formation. This position will place him alongside Vinicius Junior on the left and Kylian Mbappe through the center, creating one of the most electrifying front lines in modern soccer.
Alonso has been impressed with the youngster’s ability to “disrupt from the wing, his reading of the game, and his maturity in offensive zones.” It’s a move that reveals not only tactical foresight but immense trust in Mastantuono’s capacity to perform on football’s biggest stage.
Though primarily pegged as a winger, Alonso also sees versatility in Mastantuono’s game. There’s talk of using him as an attacking midfielder in select matches to exploit his “movements between the lines and ability to link up in short spaces.”
