Overview

• Real Madrid signed the 18-year-old from River Plate on a six-year contract for around €45 million and officially presented him upon his 18th birthday.
• FIFA and Spanish youth-protection rules delayed his registration until he turned 18, prompting the club to list him with Castilla under No. 30 to preserve first-team roster slots.
• Xabi Alonso lauded Mastantuono’s maturity, work rate and “spectacular” left foot, saying the midfielder could feature off the bench against Osasuna.
• Injuries to Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick have opened rotation opportunities and heightened his chances of early minutes.
• His comment naming Lionel Messi as his favorite player drew fan criticism, which Alonso publicly addressed and defended as a natural preference for an Argentine talent.