Franco Mastantuono (Azul, 14-8-2007) has thrown the door of the first River Plate team with blows. Like when with 12 years he became the number 1 tennis player of Argentina. He hit “very strong,” the “shitted sticks,” recalls 'Clarín'.
“In tennis the mental weighs a lot and that has helped me a lot to grow as a soccer player. Competing, traveling and playing tournaments made me that competitive and I appreciate it. In tennis it was good, mentally strong, And I could endure many hours playing and did it with a lot of passion. And ran. Ran everywhere“, recalls Mastantuono, sought by Real Madrid, although he 'parked' his signing after River 'shielded' with a 45 million clause.
In tennis it was good, mentally strong, and could endure many hours playing and did it with a lot of passion
“I played football all my life. Tennis was more like a second option, when River's test came out, I didn't hesitate,” confesses. It was the year 2019. Shortly after, in 2023, He went from playing in Fifth Division to debut with River by Martín Demichelis, Without going through the subsidiary. Already in 2024, he became the youngest scorer (16 years, 5 months and 24 days) in the history of the 'millionaire' set.
He could also be 'youtuber'. With 8 years he had his own channel. I climbed videos playing the 'play' and juggling with the ball. To save on 'YouTube' is, however, the goal that allowed him unseat Saviola and become the Younger scorer (17 years, eight months and three days) of River in the 'classics' against Boca.
The very young midfielder marked in the Cup match against hikers (3-0) to beat Saviola's precocity record, match Agüero's … and be surpassed only by Maradona.
It ran 25 when Mastantuono 'grabbed' a foul 35 meters from the goal And he drew a perfect parable, direct to the angle of the goal defended by Marchesín. “I dreamed that it was the game that I expected most since I am in first. It is something unique,” Recognize.
I dreamed that it was the game that I expected most since I am first. It is something unique
“They give me freedom to kick. It's not easy to give you so much confidence being so small. I knew there was wind against. I tried to hit him hard so that the ball wouldn't fly much and entered an incredible place, ” Explains the young 'pearl' of River.
I knew there was wind against. I tried to hit him hard so that the ball did not fly much and entered an incredible place
Marcelo Gallardo, After River's victory against Boca (2-1)tried to make caution: “He is taking his first steps, but he is a player who awakens a very big enthusiasm for his young age. Is in the process of learning. ”
The River coach, however, got rid of praise towards his direct free target: “He made a tremendous goal. A beautiful perlita. He hadn't seen a goal like that. I think from those of Quintero. They are those fouls that go down and fall and that are unattainable. ”
The 16-year-old young man made the former River Plate exempt in the match against Sarmiento where they won 1-0
Your partner Marcos 'The Egg' Acuña He also surrendered to the quality of Mastantuono: “He is a 17 -year -old boy who still has a lot of future to travel, but plays as 30. He has an incredible quality,” said the former Sevillist.
A 17 -year -old boy who still has a lot to travel, but plays as 30. He has incredible quality
'TNT' even dares to draw the next step in his early 'roadmap': says that will enter the list of the absolute Argentine team In one of the four days that remain to be played in the World Cup qualifierswith the albiceles already classified.
Messi admirer
“In River I always looked at Nacho Fernández, I think it's a very complete player. I also try to copy the movements of Matías Suárez and Julián Álvarezwhich is going through a spectacular moment. And I always look at Messi, who is my idolI see what things do, how it thinks and moves. It seems to me the best in the world, by far. I also like to observe Neymar and Phil Foden ”, reveals Mastanton.
