Mastantuono: Alonso convinced me to join Real

Authors: Alex Kirkland, Rodrigo Faez

Publisher:

ESPN

Published: 8/14/2025

Language:English

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Tom Banks

Good morning 跑了松鼠好嘛, and welcome to Goose Pod. I'm Tom Banks, and today is Friday, August 22nd. It's great to have you with us.

Mask

I'm Mask. Today, we're dissecting a massive move in football: Franco Mastantuono's decision to join Real Madrid, and how a legend sealed the deal.

Tom Banks

Let's get started. It’s a classic story of a rising star facing a huge decision. The 18-year-old Argentine prodigy, Franco Mastantuono, has officially signed with Real Madrid, but the fascinating part is who convinced him.

Mask

It wasn't just the club's prestige. It was a direct call from the new coach, Xabi Alonso. That’s a power move. Alonso saw the kid's 'Argentine spirit, a warrior' mentality and made a personal connection. That’s how you disrupt a transfer battle.

Tom Banks

Absolutely. Alonso praised his spectacular left foot and his confident personality, noting he wasn't afraid to make this monumental step. For a young player, that kind of direct belief from a manager, a legend himself, must be incredibly powerful. It changes everything.

Mask

It's the only thing that matters. Forget the noise. The leader looks you in the eye and tells you you're part of the vision. Mastantuono even requested the number 30 jersey, the same one he wore at River Plate. He’s not just joining, he’s arriving.

Tom Banks

And to understand Real Madrid's side, you have to look at their philosophy. Their youth academy, "La Fábrica," is legendary for producing world-class talent. They are always scouting for the next big thing, bringing in teenagers from all over the world to develop them.

Mask

It's a talent pipeline, a factory. But it's inefficient. For every star they produce, hundreds don't make it. The real strategy is identifying external assets like Mastantuono who have already proven their mettle. You acquire disruptive talent before the market price explodes completely. It's an arbitrage play.

Tom Banks

I see your point, but there's a certain romance to it, isn't there? They bring in players as young as 14, like Izan Ramírez from Sevilla or Victor Plazas from Málaga. They're not just buying a player; they're investing in a person, hoping to mold them into a future legend.

Mask

Romance doesn't win championships. Data does. They saw a player with a warrior's spirit and a spectacular left foot. They calculated the potential return on investment and executed the acquisition. The human element, the phone call from Alonso, was just the optimal closing tactic.

Tom Banks

But that "closing tactic" is what makes the story compelling! It shows that even in the high-stakes world of modern football, a genuine human connection can be the deciding factor over, say, a bigger financial offer from a rival. Which brings us to the conflict here.

Mask

Exactly. This was a head-to-head battle with Paris Saint-Germain. PSG has the financial muscle to outbid almost anyone. They likely threw an astronomical amount of money at him. This wasn't a simple negotiation; it was a transfer war between two global superpowers of the sport.

Tom Banks

And Mastantuono even spoke with the PSG coach, Luis Enrique. He was clearly considering both options very seriously. It's a monumental choice for an 18-year-old. On one hand, you have the financial power of PSG, and on the other, the historic legacy of Real Madrid.

Mask

But legacy is the ultimate currency. Money is temporary. Alonso didn't just offer a contract; he offered a place in history. He sold a vision. Luis Enrique is a great coach, but Alonso represents the core identity of a Real Madrid midfielder. That’s a gravitational pull that money can't replicate.

Tom Banks

It’s the difference between a job and a calling. PSG offered a lucrative position, but Alonso offered a chance to walk in the footsteps of legends like Alfredo di Stéfano, another star who moved from River Plate to Real Madrid. That's a powerful narrative.

Tom Banks

The immediate impact is his staggering transfer value, estimated around €200 million. That figure alone sends shockwaves. It places immense pressure on him, but it also signals to the rest of the squad that the club sees him as a cornerstone for the future.

Mask

Pressure forges diamonds. That price tag is a declaration of war. It tells competitors, 'We acquired the future, and you didn't.' Internally, it forces every other player to elevate their game. Complacency is the enemy, and a €200 million teenager is the ultimate cure. He'll either thrive or break.

Tom Banks

And by all accounts, he's thriving. Reports from the club say he left "VERY GOOD impressions" from the moment he arrived. He’s agile, combines well with teammates, and clearly has the maturity to handle the environment. This isn't just about potential; it's about immediate quality.

Tom Banks

Looking ahead, his role could become significant very quickly. There's speculation that his arrival might be pushing a player like Rodrygo out, which would place a huge burden on Mastantuono's young shoulders to perform from day one in La Liga.

Mask

It's not a burden; it's an opportunity. Sink or swim. Real Madrid isn't a developmental league. You're thrown into the fire. With Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr. there, he's surrounded by elite talent. He will either rise to their level or be exposed. That’s the brutal beauty of it.

Tom Banks

That's all the time we have for today. A big thank you to our listener, 跑了松鼠好嘛. We hope you enjoyed this deep dive. I'm Tom Banks.

Mask

And I'm Mask. You've been listening to Goose Pod. Join us next time as we continue to explore the forces shaping our world. See you tomorrow.

## Franco Mastantuono Joins Real Madrid, Citing Xabi Alonso's Influence **News Title/Type:** Soccer Player Transfer Announcement **Report Provider/Author:** ESPN, by Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez **Date/Time Period Covered:** The news was published on August 14, 2025, at 09:25 AM ET. The events described, including the signing and presentation, occurred on Thursday, August 14, 2025, which was Franco Mastantuono's 18th birthday. **Key News Identifiers:** * **Player:** Franco Mastantuono * **Club:** Real Madrid * **Previous Club:** River Plate * **Competitor for Signature:** Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) * **Key Influencer:** Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid Coach) * **Contract Length:** Six years * **Jersey Number:** 30 ### Summary of Critical Information: **1. Main Findings and Conclusions:** * **Franco Mastantuono officially presented as a Real Madrid player:** The highly-rated teenage playmaker was unveiled at Real Madrid's Valdebebas training ground on his 18th birthday, August 14, 2025. * **Xabi Alonso's phone call was pivotal in the decision:** Mastantuono revealed that a personal call from Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso was a significant factor in his choice to join the Spanish club over Paris Saint-Germain. * **Madrid secured signature in June:** Real Madrid successfully beat PSG to the signing of the Argentine international in June, but the transfer could only be finalized once Mastantuono turned 18. * **Mastantuono's Role and Ambitions:** He described himself as an attacking player, left-footed, and typically playing on the right. He aims to contribute to the team and connect with the Real Madrid fans. * **Positive First Impressions:** Mastantuono has already met Jude Bellingham, whom he admires, and is set to join his first training session on Friday, August 15, 2025. * **Upcoming Season Start:** Real Madrid's first LaLiga match of the season is scheduled for Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at home against Osasuna at the Bernabéu. **2. Key Statistics and Metrics:** * **Age:** 18 years old (on his presentation day) * **Contract Duration:** Six years * **Jersey Number:** 30 * **Real Madrid's European Cups:** 15-time winners (mentioned by club president) * **Mastantuono's International Record:** Youngest player to play a competitive match for Argentina. **3. Important Recommendations:** * (No explicit recommendations were made in this news report.) **4. Significant Trends or Changes:** * **Real Madrid's continued recruitment of young talent:** The signing of Mastantuono further emphasizes Real Madrid's strategy of acquiring promising young players from around the globe. * **Influence of coaching staff in player recruitment:** The report highlights the significant impact a coach's direct involvement can have on a player's decision-making process. **5. Notable Risks or Concerns:** * (No explicit risks or concerns were highlighted in this news report.) **6. Material Financial Data:** * (No specific financial details regarding the transfer fee or Mastantuono's salary were disclosed in this report.) ### Detailed Breakdown: * **Player Presentation:** Franco Mastantuono was formally presented as a Real Madrid player on **August 14, 2025**, his 18th birthday. He signed a **six-year contract** and will wear the **number 30 shirt**. * **Decision Influenced by Xabi Alonso:** Mastantuono stated that a **phone call from Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso** was crucial in his decision to choose Madrid over PSG. He expressed that the coach's confidence meant a lot to him. * **Competition with PSG:** Real Madrid secured the signature of the River Plate starlet in **June 2025**, fending off interest from Paris Saint-Germain. Mastantuono also acknowledged speaking with PSG coach Luis Enrique, expressing his respect for him. * **Club President's Endorsement:** Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez lauded Mastantuono as **"one of the biggest talents to emerge in world football in recent years,"** drawing a comparison to the legendary Alfredo di Stéfano. * **Player's Self-Description:** Mastantuono described himself as an **attacking player, left-footed, and typically playing on the right**. He aims to give his all to help the team and connect with the fans. * **Team Integration:** He met Jude Bellingham on the day of his presentation and will join the team for training for the first time on **Friday, August 15, 2025**. * **Upcoming Fixture:** Real Madrid's first LaLiga match of the season is on **Tuesday, August 19, 2025**, against Osasuna at the Bernabéu.

Read original at ESPN →

Real Madrid unveil Franco Mastantuono (0:56)Franco Mastantuono is presented at Real Madrid's training ground. (0:56)Alex KirklandRodrigo FaezAug 14, 2025, 09:25 AM ETFranco Mastantuono has admitted a phone call from Xabi Alonso helped him choose Real Madrid over Paris Saint-Germain.The teenage playmaker was presented as a Madrid player on his 18th birthday on Thursday.

Madrid beat PSG to the River Plate starlet's signature in June, but the Argentina international had to wait until he turned 18 before he could officially join the LaLiga club.Mastantuono formally signed his six-year contract at Madrid's Valdebebas training ground on Thursday after undergoing medical checks.

He was introduced by club president Florentino Pérez, before posing with his new number 30 shirt and talking to the media."[Coach Alonso] contacted me. It was very important for me that the coach showed that confidence in me," Mastantuono told a news conference."Obviously it was a private conversation, but it influenced me a lot.

It gave me a lot of confidence, and the way he did it, it meant a lot."The forward -- the youngest player to play a competitive match for Argentina -- had been close to joining PSG before Madrid made their move, and said he also spoke to coach Luis Enrique before opting for Madrid."Yes, it's true that various teams took an interest in me, I appreciate it a lot," Mastantuono said on Thursday."

I was lucky to talk to Luis Enrique. He was very clear with me, I appreciate it and congratulate him for the win [in the UEFA Super Cup] last night. He's a great coach, all my respect and appreciation for him."Madrid president Pérez called Mastantuono "one of the biggest talents to emerge in world football in recent years," before namechecking the great Alfredo di Stéfano, who also featured for both River and Madrid.

Mastantuono said he will "be a fan out on the pitch" for Madrid, and that joining the 15-time European Cup winners had been "a dream" before giving some insight on where he sees himself fitting into Alonso's team.- Real Madrid ask officials to block Barça-Villarreal U.S. game- How close are Barcelona to playing a LaLiga game in Miami?

- Militão, Alaba returns boost Real Madrid ahead of new season"I'm an attacking player, left-footed, almost always playing on the right," Mastantuono said."I don't like to talk much about myself, I let others do it, but I'll give my all to help the team and so that Real Madrid fans can identify with me."

The 18-year-old said he had already met Jude Bellingham earlier on Thursday, calling him "a player I love," and said he'd join the team for training for the first time on Friday.Madrid play their first game of the LaLiga season on Tuesday when they host Osasuna at the Bernabéu.