The preseason has officially kicked off for Real Madrid, and Franco Mastantuono is already making headlines—even before stepping onto the pitch with the first team. The Argentine talent is training separately for now, waiting to turn 18.
Once he reaches legal age, he’ll be able to join Xabi Alonso’s squad in full. Until then, the former River Plate wonderkid is already helping Real Madrid shatter a record that dates back to 1998.
With Mastantuono’s arrival, Real Madrid now holds its youngest squad of the 21st century. You’d have to go all the way back to 1998 to find a Los Blancos roster with an average age below 25.8 years. Franco, at just 17, brings that number down further.
He joins a young core that includes Endrick (19), Dean Huijsen, Arda Güler, and Gonzalo (all 20), as well as Álvaro Carreras and Jude Bellingham (22)—a strong foundation of youth leading the next era of the club.
A generational shift in Valdebebas
Real Madrid has undergone a clear generational shift in recent transfer windows. This summer alone saw club legends Luka Modrić and Lucas Vázquez depart, leaving a leadership gap after years of glory and silverware.
Looking further back, icons like Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Marcelo, Toni Kroos, and Gareth Bale have also exited the stage. The club, once built on experienced veterans, is now doubling down on youth with a clear long-term project.
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The pressure is on for a young Real Madrid
Expectations are high. Real Madrid is coming off what many consider their most disappointing season in years, failing to lift any of the three major trophies for the first time in six seasons. Meanwhile, a rejuvenated Barcelona looks primed to challenge on all fronts. In this context, Mastantuono becomes part of a project under pressure, but also full of promise.
