'Incredible' - Franco Mastantuono 'grateful' to Xabi Alonso as new Real Madrid wonderkid reveals how coach convinced him to 'make the jump' from River Plate

Mastantuono revealed in an interview with DAZN that a personal conversation with Alonso was the turning point in his decision to join Madrid. The 17-year-old Argentine midfielder said Alonso’s approach gave him the confidence to leave his boyhood club, River Plate, and take the leap to Europe.

Mastantuono’s rise at River Plate has made him one of the most talked-about young talents in world football. Despite his age, the attacking midfielder has already displayed vision and creativity well beyond his years. His sensational free-kick in the Superclasico against Boca Juniors back in April was just a glimpse of that.

His standout performances in Argentina didn't go unnoticed, with several top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, reportedly in the race to sign the young midfielder.

However, it was Madrid who attracted the Argentine. The club’s chief scout, Juni Calafat, reportedly flew to Buenos Aires to meet with Mastantuono’s family and representatives in person to convince him to join the La Liga giants. But now, Mastantuono has revealed that it was a personal phone call from the new Madrid manager that made the difference.

Mastantuono spoke highly of Alonso’s role in his decision to join Madrid, describing the coach’s approach as “incredible.”

"The way Xabi handled me was incredible. I'm so grateful. The talk had a huge impact on me because the fact that a coach wants you is a vote of confidence for a player who's leaving a huge club like River Plate. That's not easy. His words really motivated me to make the jump," Mastantuono said.

Mastantuono also called playing for Real Madrid “a dream come true,” describing it as the biggest club in the world and the one every player wants to be part of.

"Playing for Real Madrid is a dream come true for me. It's the biggest club in the world, it's the team that earns the most in Europe," he added. "Every player wants to play there. All players want to be there. I'm going to have to change my life to go play there; I don't need to say it in words; everyone knows what it's like."

Mastantuono is set to return to the pitch with River Plate in a Group E match of the Club World Cup, facing Inter on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Madrid registered their first win at the tournament by beating Pachuca 3-1, despite being reduced to 10 men early in the game. They will next face RB Salzburg on Thursday, looking to secure a spot in the round of 16.