Franco Mastantuono Opens Up: How Xabi Alonso's Persuasion Led to His Real Madrid Dream Move

Xabi Alonso was instrumental in securing Franco Mastantuono's move from River Plate to Real Madrid.

Following a disappointing 2024–25 season that concluded without any silverware, Real Madrid entered the transfer market to strengthen their squad under new manager Alonso. The club acquired three defensive additions in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen and Álvaro Carreras, while also securing 17-year-old Mastantuono.

The Argentine prospect, regarded as one of football's most promising young stars, signed a six-year contract with Los Blancos that will commence when he reaches 18 in August. Real Madrid activated Mastantuono's €45 million ($52.1 million) buyout clause to bring the prodigy to Madrid ahead of the 2025–26 campaign.

Despite attention from various other European powerhouses, including Paris Saint-Germain, Mastantuono explained his reasons for selecting Real Madrid.

"Signing for Real Madrid is truly a dream realized," Mastantuono shared with TyC Sports. "I've always expressed that my ambition was to compete in Europe, but naturally I've always aspired to the pinnacle, which was Real Madrid. That it's materialized is simply incredible."

Mastantuono featured for River Plate's senior squad for eighteen months, recording 64 appearances with 17 goal contributions. The youngster also featured in every fixture for the Argentine side during the FIFA Club World Cup, though couldn't help River Plate advance beyond the group phase.

"This season, honestly, if someone had told me at the year's start, my focus was entirely on playing for River [Plate]. I had no other considerations. Then, midway through the year, Real Madrid emerged, which naturally shifted my perspective, made me contemplate, and demonstrated the appreciation they held for me and their eagerness to have me join.

"For me, it represented a dream. I viewed it as an incredibly personal and amazing opportunity. That's when I reached my decision. It occurred midway through the year; everything was settled within days, but it was truly remarkable."

The club's prestige and the chance to compete in Europe weren't the sole factors that persuaded Mastantuono to join Real Madrid. He also had direct communication with Alonso.

"I had a conversation with Xabi. Honestly, he was extremely welcoming. The discussion I shared with him really inspired me to make this choice," Mastantuono revealed.

"He contacted me and consistently spoke honestly. It meant a great deal to me. As I've mentioned, departing River isn't simple. Everyone understands that. But it made things somewhat easier for me knowing that [Alonso] reached out the way he did, and that's another reason I made this decision."

With Rodrygo's situation unclear and Jude Bellingham unavailable for the beginning of the 2025–26 season, Mastantuono might find himself entering Alonso's starting lineup earlier than expected. The 17-year-old is capable of operating as either a right winger or attacking midfielder, providing his new coach with a natural, flexible option for both positions.