Franco Mastantuono reveals how Xabi Alonso convinced him to join Madrid

Real Madrid beat off competition from the likes of Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City to bring in Franco Mastantuono with the Argentina star set to form part of a new look Madrid midfield.

Mastantuono will join Real Madrid after Club World Cup and the 17-year-old Argentine midfielder said Xabi Alonso’s approach gave him the confidence to leave his boyhood club, River Plate, and take the leap to Europe.

During an interview with DAZN, Mastantuono revealed that a personal conversation with Alonso was the turning point in his decision to join Madrid.

“The way Xabi handled me was incredible. I’m so grateful. The talk had a huge impact on me because the fact that a coach wants you is a vote of confidence for a player who’s leaving a huge club like River Plate. That’s not easy. His words really motivated me to make the jump,” Mastantuono said.

Franco Mastantuono pose for a photo with the Superior Player of the Match award following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between CA River Plate and CF Monterrey. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Mastantuono also called playing for Real Madrid “a dream come true,” describing it as the biggest club in the world and the one every player wants to be part of.

“Playing for Real Madrid is a dream come true for me. It’s the biggest club in the world, it’s the team that earns the most in Europe,” he added. “Every player wants to play there. All players want to be there. I’m going to have to change my life to go play there; I don’t need to say it in words; everyone knows what it’s like.”

Regarded as the next big thing in football, the attacking midfielder has already displayed vision and creativity well beyond his years.

With various impressive performance to his name, Mastantuono’s sensational free-kick in the Superclasico against Boca Juniors back in April was just a glimpse of what Madrid fans should expect.

Mastantuono is set to return to the pitch with River Plate in a Group E match of the Club World Cup, facing Inter on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Madrid will face RB Salzburg on Thursday, looking to secure a spot in the round of 16.