Franco Mastantuono: The Jewel of South American Football | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono is the new wunderkind at River Plate in Argentina. The 17-year-old’s style and player profile have generated a lot of hype, and his unique abilities stand out in a football world filled with cookie-cutter players who repeat the same moves over and over.

In River Plate’s recent win over Gimnasia de La Plata, Marcelo Gallardo’s side finally broke their scoring drought, netting three goals in a single league match for the first time all season. The second goal was a masterpiece, created by one of the club’s brightest prospects — Franco Mastantuono.

Watching the goal, it’s easy to see why teams from Spain, England, and Italy are eyeing the dynamic midfielder. Mastantuono dribbled past older, more experienced Gimnasia players as if they weren’t there and scored one of the goals of the week in Argentina.

For Mastantuono, it was just another step in a career that’s quickly taking off. So far, he has eight goals and five assists in 56 matches for River Plate. This season, after returning from youth national team duty, he has scored three goals and provided two assists in nine matches.

What makes Mastantuono so special is that he’s a breath of fresh air. In a sport where managers often shape players into mechanical, repetitive roles, Mastantuono is a true baller. He’s not the strongest or the fastest — but he’s easily one of the most talented.

A Standout in an Academy Full of Talent

River Plate has produced some of the world’s top footballers, including most recently Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández, Exequiel Palacios, and rising Manchester City star Claudio Echeverri. Like Echeverri, Mastantuono was quickly recognized as a talent to watch.

He made his first-team debut under coach Martín Demichelis in a 1-1 draw with Argentinos Juniors in January 2024.

Mastantuono glides across the pitch when he plays, always scanning for space and delivering sharp, accurate passes. He often drops deep to help create chances and drive play forward for both River and the national team. He also has a lethal outside shot and is improving his free kick capabilities.

He’s especially dangerous on the right wing, where he cuts in on his left foot to unleash powerful shots or clever passes. His vision, timing, and football IQ make him one of the most exciting young players in world football today.

One to Watch for Argentina’s Future

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On a River Plate team that has struggled for form, Mastantuono has emerged as a standout performer. Despite the club spending $60 million in the last two transfer windows, their best player is a teenager from their own youth academy.

The 17-year-old’s rapid rise has garnered praise from fans and pundits alike, including Bolavip’s Martín O’Donnell.

“Mastantuono is already one of the gems of Argentine football, considering his age and how quickly he established himself in River’s starting lineup,” O’Donnell said. “At a club with such financial strength, where he’s competing with high-profile players the team has invested heavily in, earning a starting spot speaks volumes about his talent.

“He’s only 17, with his entire career ahead of him, and plenty of time to develop. While it’s too early for comparisons, he’s definitely a player to watch and could be a leading figure in the next generation of Argentine talent, alongside players like Claudio Echeverri.”

Mastantuono has already featured for Argentina’s U17 and U20 teams, scoring three goals in 19 appearances. While Argentina has a bevy of players either approaching or currently in their primes, Mastantuono could very well be a key figure in the post-Messi era.

A Spotlight showing in the Súper Clásico

If Mastantuono had anything left to prove to the Argentine soccer audience, he erased all doubt last Sunday afternoon by scoring one of the most memorable goals in recent Súper Clásico history against Boca Juniors.

The young star delivered a world-class free kick that proved decisive as River defeated their arch rivals 2-1, once again putting Mastantuono at the center of the headlines.

Although it wasn’t a dominant performance overall, he remained a constant threat in River’s attack and nearly added another goal, narrowly missing the target. Mastantuono’s stunning strike will be etched in the memories of River fans as a must-see Clásico moment for years to come.

A European Future Sooner Rather Than Later

Mastantuono has attracted interest from major European clubs, including Manchester United, Atlético Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea.

While a move to Europe might seem logical, if not inevitable, there still needs to be some caution around Mastantuono’s development moving forward.

“He’s still a young player, and he’s in the middle of his development,” said ESPN Argentina’s Rosario Pompizzi. “He made his debut just over a year ago, and Argentine football — especially compared to the Premier League — is far behind, particularly in terms of physicality.

“He has plenty of attributes and qualities. In fact, let’s not forget that he also excelled in tennis and was one of the top five U12 players in the country. But footballers need time to grow, and that’s crucial. The demands of the Premier League are extreme, requiring great endurance and mental strength. I would focus on his long-term development and avoid rushing the process.”

Of course, that’s easier said than done. European clubs often sign South American talents before they’re even old enough to drive.

River Plate could receive a transfer fee in the $50 million range — potentially the biggest sale in the club’s history. That would be a massive milestone, especially for a club that has produced legends like Hernán Crespo, Pablo Aimar, Ariel Ortega, and Marcelo Gallardo.

The Face of the Future

Whatever the future holds, Mastantuono’s agent recently confirmed that he is committed to River Plate until the end of 2026. By then, the club hopes to win its fifth Copa Libertadores and compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.

For now, fans should enjoy Mastantuono for what he is: a throwback to a fading era. A true No. 10 — full of skill, creativity, and flair — the kind of player that made Argentine and South American football famous.

In a sport growing increasingly predictable, Franco Mastantuono is a reminder of what football can be. Franco Mastantuono is fútbol.