At just 17 years old, Franco Mastantuono is emerging as one of the brightest prospects in Argentine football. The left-footed attacking midfielder, currently playing for River Plate, has already caught the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs thanks to his raw talent, maturity, and vision on the pitch.
🧬 Profile and Promising Beginnings
- Full name: Franco Mastantuono
- Date of birth: August 14, 2007 (17 years old)
- Place of birth: Azul, Argentina
- Height: 1.77 m
- Position: Attacking midfielder / forward
- Preferred foot: Left
- Current club: River Plate (Jersey no. 30)
- Contract until: December 31, 2026
- National team: Argentina U20 (9 caps, 1 goal)
Mastantuono joined River Plate’s academy in 2019 and quickly rose through the ranks, making his senior debut in 2024. Since then, he’s played 38 matches and scored 2 goals, showing consistent growth and an impressive adaptation to top-level football.
🎯 Playing Style: A Creative Force
Mastantuono is known for his vision, dribbling skills, and pinpoint accuracy from set-pieces. He thrives in the number 10 role but is also capable of playing as a winger or supporting striker. His footballing inspirations include Ignacio Fernández, Matías Suárez, and Julián Álvarez, players he admires for their intelligence and attacking efficiency.
📈 Standout Performances
Recently, Mastantuono stood out in a key River Plate win over Gimnasia, scoring a crucial goal after a brilliant solo effort. He also recorded four key passes during the game, further proving his growing influence in the team’s attacking play.
💰 A Record Release Clause
River Plate recently extended Mastantuono’s contract until 2026 and set a record-breaking €45 million release clause, the highest in Argentine football history. That clause even jumps to €50 million during the final 10 days of any transfer window — a clear statement of the club’s desire to keep their wonderkid.
🔥 European Giants Circling
Top European clubs are already circling. Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool, FC Barcelona, and AC Milan have all shown interest in the young Argentine. PSG reportedly considered activating his release clause to secure his signing.
🇦🇷 Ambition and Future Goals
Despite the buzz, Mastantuono remains focused on his current journey with River Plate. His goals? Winning the Copa Libertadores and competing in the Club World Cup with his boyhood club. His calm, step-by-step mindset reflects a level of maturity rarely seen at his age.
Franco Mastantuono represents the new wave of Argentine footballers ready to take on the world. With his talent, determination, and football IQ, the future looks incredibly bright — whether he continues his rise in Argentina or takes the leap to Europe’s biggest stages.
