12 Surprising Facts About Franco Mastantuono From Childhood in Argentina
- Think Football Ideas
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Full Name: Franco Mastantuono
Date of Birth: 14 August 2007
Place of Birth: Azul, Argentina
Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s): Midfielder/Forward
Current Club: Real Madrid
Franco Mastantuono, a name already buzzing in football circles. From a childhood marked by unique twists to a career that’s just beginning to ignite, there’s plenty to uncover about this rising star.
Without giving too much away just yet, let’s dive into some intriguing facts and early chapters of a journey that’s about to turn some serious heads.
Here Are 12 Surprising Facts About Franco Mastantuono - The Argentine Prodigy
1. He was Born in Azul, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina
Franco Mastantuono’s story kicked off on August 14, 2007, in Azul, a modest town tucked away in Argentina’s Buenos Aires Province. It is famous for its cattle fairs and laid-back vibes. But Franco? He was about to change that narrative.
From the moment he could walk, he had a ball glued to his feet, and somehow, a tennis racket wasn’t far behind. Even as a kid, there was something electric about him that told everyone - this wasn’t just another Azulero.
2. He Began Football At Age 3 At River De Azul, Coached By His Father
Franco’s earliest memories of football were stitched into family and local soil. At three years old, he began training at River de Azul, a small club that echoed the identity of its more famous cousin.
His father was his first coach, literally and figuratively. Picture Saturday mornings with cones, mismatched boots, and a dad who doubled as a mentor and motivator. Those early years, guided by paternal patience and grassroots grit, preceded everything that followed.
3. He Played National-Level Youth Tennis As A Child
Before lacing up his boots professionally, Mastantuono’s competitive fire burned bright on the tennis court. He wasn't just hitting backhands for fun. At age 10, he climbed into the top 10 national rankings for his age group in Argentina.
His fluid movement, razor-sharp anticipation, and obsession with precision made him a standout junior. Imagine juggling tennis tournaments one week and nutmegging defenders the next. Yes, he was doing both and excelling.
4. He Once Declined A Place At River Plate After A Trial
In 2017, the mighty River Plate came calling. After a trial that dazzled coaches, Franco was offered a coveted place in their academy. But in a twist of fate, his family chose to hold off, preferring that he continue his trajectory in tennis.
It’s almost surreal now, isn’t it? A generational football talent putting the brakes on a River Plate offer at 10. Yet that patience and belief in keeping options open may have been the wisest call they made.
5. He Joined Club Cemento At Age 11 Before Moving To River Plate's Academy
After pausing his River Plate journey, Franco stayed close to his sporting roots by joining Club Cemento at age 11. It was a humble setting, but one that allowed him to sharpen his instincts and keep growing outside the spotlight.
Then, in 2019, River Plate renewed their interest, and this time, the answer was yes. He officially entered the club’s youth ranks, trading Azul for Núñez and street pitches for elite development. The real journey had begun.
6. He Surpassed Javier Saviola, Becoming River Plate’s Youngest Goalscorer
On 8 February 2024, history was rewritten. Coming off the bench in a Copa Argentina match, Mastantuono found the net against Excursionistas and became River Plate’s youngest ever goalscorer, beating the legendary Javier Saviola’s record.
Just weeks earlier, he had debuted in a 1–1 draw with Argentinos Juniors, becoming the third youngest player to ever appear for the club. Talk about fast-tracking stardom. These were all signals that a new era was knocking.
7. Has Italian Heritage And Holds Dual Argentine-Italian Citizenship
Franco Mastantuono boasts a strong Italian heritage, a common thread among many Argentine stars before him. Holding dual Argentine-Italian citizenship, he’s got options that could ease future moves across Europe.
But let’s be honest, for now, the Argentine colours are where his heart truly beats. Still, carrying that EU passport is a handy little ace in the modern, ever-globalising game as it helps bypass work permit hurdles and smooths the path to top European leagues.
8. He is The Second Youngest Player To Score In A Superclásico Vs Boca Juniors
If you’re going to announce yourself in Argentina, there’s no better stage than the Superclásico.
On a tense night in April 2025, Mastantuono stepped up and curled a 28-meter free-kick past Boca Juniors, a goal that didn't just drop jaws, but secured his status as the second youngest scorer in Superclásico history. Oh, and by the way, he also became the youngest ever River Plate player to score in the fixture.
9. He Idolises Ignacio Fernández, Matías Suárez, And Julián Alvarez
Every great player starts by admiring someone else, and Franco's list of idols is as grounded as it is aspirational. He’s spoken about growing up watching Ignacio Fernández’s smooth control, Matías Suárez’s guile, and Julián Alvarez’s relentless drive.
Those influences are stitched into his playing style, a hybrid of calm elegance, clever feet, and bursts of attacking menace. Not bad role models, all things considered.
10. His Move To Real Madrid Set A New Transfer Record For River Plate
On 13 June 2025, Real Madrid made it official: Franco Mastantuono would be joining the Spanish giants on 14 August, the day he turns 18. The €45 million deal didn’t just cause a stir, it shattered River Plate’s all-time transfer record.
That’s right, no player in the club’s storied history had ever commanded such a fee. It was a move that screamed faith, potential, and a touch of Galáctico glamour.
11. He is Argentina’s Youngest Player in A Competitive Match, Breaking Adolfo Heisinger’s Record
History books were rewritten again on 5 June 2025, when Mastantuono came off the bench for Argentina in a World Cup qualifier vs Chile.
At just 17 years and 296 days, he became the youngest player to ever represent Argentina in an official competitive fixture, breaking a record that had stood since the early 20th century, held by Adolfo Heisinger. And, when Lionel Scaloni calls your number, it’s more than a debut, it’s a coronation.
12. His Style Of Play is Exciting And Impossible To Ignore
Watching Mastantuono play is like unwrapping a surprise with every touch. Left-footed and technically gifted, he thrives in tight spaces, glides through challenges, and has a dead-ball delivery well beyond his years.
Coaches and scouts have raved about his ability to dictate tempo or unlock defences with one movement. Depending on the moment, he’s comfortable as a playmaker, forward, or even an enganche [a traditional number 10].