Real Madrid Sign Franco Mastantuono, Deepening Historic Argentine Ties

Europe 13 June 2025 at 19:36

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

Real Madrid've officially completed the signing of Franco Mastantuono, the 17 year old midfield sensation from River Plate extending the club’s century long bond with Argentina , the most represented foreign nation in the club’s storied history.

A Legacy That Began in 1911

The connection dates back to 1911 when brothers Sotero & Eulogio Aranguren, Buenos Aires born but raised in the Basque Country, joined Madrid. Sotero later earned club tribute statue near the dressing room tunnel alongside Spanish great Alberto Machimbarrena.

From Olsen to Di Stefano

After quiet few decades, the first major Argentine breakthrough came in 1950 when Roque Olsen signed from Racing Club and scored 66 goal in 123 game. But the real turning point came in 1953 when Madrid famously snatched Alfredo Di Stefano from rivals Barcelona in heated transfer battle despite the Spanish federation's compromise plan.

Di Stefano repaid the faith with 308 goal in 396 game, becoming nationalized Spanish icon.

Golden Generations of Argentines

Real Madrid’s Argentine roster later featured iconic names like Jorge Valdano, Fernando Redondo (228 appearances), Santiago Solari and Gonzalo Higuain who netted 121 goal in 264 game. The most dazzling, however was Angel Di María, a fan favorite who starred in 190 match.

Record Breaking Talent Pipeline

Argentina's now supplied 33 player to Real Madrid , more than any other foreign nation, ahead of Brazil’s 29. Mastantuono becomes the youngest Argentine ever to sign for Madrid breaking Juan Esnaider’s 1991 record.

Future Begins Now

With Mastantuono’s arrival, Real Madrid not only secure promising talent but reaffirm their lasting trust in the silver nation that's shaped their golden history.