Franco Mastantuono revealed to be Real Madrid's lowest-paid player with Kylian Mbappe earning almost nine times Argentine wonderkid's salary

Mastantuono will officially join Madrid on August 14, when he turns 18, after the club paid €45 million (£39m/$52m) to sign him from River Plate. The attacking midfielder has been compared to Juan Roman Riquelme for his vision and technique, and he has already made 30 senior appearances for River, scoring five goals. Despite the huge transfer fee, he will earn €3.5m a year, making him the lowest-paid player in the first-team squad, according to Mundo Deportivo.

His salary is in stark contrast to top earners like Mbappe, who is on a reported €30m (£25.5m/$33m), while Vinicius, David Alaba, and Jude Bellingham each earn around €20m (£17m/$22m). Even fellow young signings Endrick, on €4m, and Arda Guler, who is paid €5m, are on higher wages. 

Madrid’s strategy with Mastantuono mirrors past approaches with young talent, paying big fees early but keeping wages modest. Vinícius and Rodrygo followed a similar path, arriving as teenagers from Brazil for over €40m (£34m/$44m) but starting on relatively low salaries before earning extensions. The club’s hierarchy see this as a way to keep dressing room harmony and avoid resentment among senior players, while ensuring that wage growth matches on-field contributions.

The 17-year-old will link up with the squad later this month, aiming to adapt quickly and earn his place. His performances will dictate whether he moves up both the pecking order and the wage scale in coming seasons. Los Blancos, meanwhile, will kick off their new La Liga campaign at the Santiago Bernabeu against Osasuna on August 19.