🤑 Mastantuono not the priciest U18 ever: from Yoro to Shaw, the top 15 🤯 | OneFootball

The figures spent by Real Madrid for Franco Mastantuono, as always, make a big impression.

The 45 million euros that the Blancos have decided to invest in the River Plate talent do not represent the highest amount ever paid for a footballer aged 18 or under.

The Merengues themselves have already accustomed us over the years to such deals, which are not an exception but the rule, also for Manchester United. Below is the all-time top 15, which surprisingly also includes two Italians.

1. Leny Yoro

Bought for a staggering 62 million euros in the summer of 2024 by Manchester United at just 18 years old, he was acquired from Lille. One of the best prospects in the world when it comes to central defenders, he was snatched away from Real Madrid with determination.

Also due to a series of injuries, his experience with the Red Devils has been mixed so far. It should be added, however, that for any footballer in the world today, it is difficult to perform wearing that shirt.

2. Endrick

47.5 million euro investment. The deal was finalized when the Brazilian striker from Palmeiras was 16, but his arrival at Real Madrid only materialized last summer when he turned 18.

He hasn't found much playing time under Carlo Ancelotti, but it's not an immediate path, and despite some youthful flaws, it's clear to everyone that he has both the quality and the talent.

3. Vinicius Jr

He opens the trio of Merengues players who cost 45 million euros. Signed in July 2018 from Flamengo, when he was 18 years old. The impact with the new reality was not the easiest, but his breakthrough season after season has been clear.

Second in the latest Ballon d'Or, he is perhaps the best example of the strategy adopted by Real in recent seasons regarding very young talents, especially South Americans.

3. Rodrygo

Bought for the same amount, a year later, this time from Santos. Compared to his club and national teammate, despite a long series of decisive goals in important matches, he has struggled more to establish himself clearly and always has to fight for a starting spot. In any case, we're talking about a world-class player.

3. Franco Mastantuono

If Real doesn't change its philosophy, it's because it can afford it and sees objective results. Even with the Argentine, the same patience and awareness will be needed: there is no talent big enough not to require a gradual integration or, in any case, moments of decline and pause.

The ranking from 6th to 15th place

6. Archie Gray to Tottenham at 18 years old (41.25 million euros)

7. Charalampos Kostoulas to Brighton at 17 years old (40 million euros)

7. Fabio Silva to Wolverhampton at 18 years old (40 million euros)

9. Luke Shaw to Manchester United at 18 years old (37.5 million euros)

10. Wayne Rooney to Manchester United at 18 years old (37 million euros)

11. Renato Sanches to Bayern Munich at 18 years old (35 million euros)

12. Estevao to Chelsea at 17 years old (34 million euros)

13. Alessandro Bastoni to Inter at 18 years old (31.1 million euros)

14. Eduardo Camavinga to Real Madrid at 18 years old (31 million euros)

14. Antonio Cassano to Roma at 18 years old (31 million euros)

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.

📸 ALEJANDRO PAGNI - AFP or licensors