Real Madrid officially announced: Argentina 18-year-old star Mastantono has completed signing and will wear the No. 30 Real Madrid jersey

On August 14, 2025, Argentina 18-year-old star Franco Mastantuono was officially signed at Real Madrid's official signing ceremony. It was his birthday. Club chairman Florentino Perez personally presided over the ceremony. The two sides signed a six-year contract. Mastantuono was awarded the No. 30 jersey - this number means that he will enter the first-team training system as Real Madrid's second team (Castilia).

In the media questioning session, when asked about his opinion on "the best player in history", Mastantono responded frankly: "Who is the best player in the world? To me, Messi is the best in the world. I am an Argentine, and I think he is the best, and I have nothing to say." He further added that Messi is of great significance to Argentine football and Barcelona, but he joined Real Madrid himself to "open his own path", and emphasized that "Real Madrid is the greatest club in history", with the goal of "satisfactory Real Madrid fans."

Mastantono repeatedly emphasized his loyalty to Real Madrid: he said that joining is "realizing his lifelong dream" and will fight for the "world's best club"; he took the initiative to choose No. 30 because the number carries the growth memory of his riverbed period, and was approved by Florentino to retain it, demonstrating his emotional connection; Chairman Florentino focused on his talent in his speech: "one of the most dazzling new stars in football in recent years", and quoted the traditions of Argentine legends such as Distiffano to convey a signal of trust.

Mastantono transferred from the Riverbed for 45 million euros, due to the restrictions on transfers of FIFA minor players to register on his 18th birthday. He is expected to make his debut in his league debut against Osasuna on August 19.