Alonso Is The Reason Franco Mastantuono Prefers Real Madrid Over PSG

JAKARTA - Franco Mastantuono admitted that Xabi Alonso's phone call helped him prefer Real Madrid over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

The teenager's playmaker was introduced as a Madrid player on Thursday, August 14, 2025, local time, to coincide with his 18th birthday.

Los Blancos beat PSG in the race for the signature of the young River Plate star in June 2025.

However, the Argentine had to wait until he was 18 years old before officially joining the Santiago Bernabeu.

Mastantuono officially signed a six-year contract at the Valdebebasis training ground, Madrid, after undergoing a medical examination.

He was introduced by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, before posing in his new number 30 shirt and speaking to the media.

"(Alonso coach) contacted me. It was very important to me that the coach showed me that trust."

"Of course it's a private conversation, but it really affects me. It gives me a lot of confidence. The way he does it means a lot," Mastantuono told a news conference.

The youngest player to play in a competitive match for Argentina almost joined PSG before finally deciding to land for Real Madrid. He said he had spoken with coach Luis Enrique before voting for Los Blancos.

"Yes, it is true that various teams are attracted to me. I really appreciate it. I was lucky to be able to talk to Luis Enrique. He was very open to me."

"I appreciate and congratulate him for the win (in the UEFA Super Cup). He is a great coach, I really respect and appreciate him," said Mastantuono.

Mastantuono further said he was a Real Madrid fan. Joining the 15 Champions League trophy winner was a dream, before giving a little picture of where he saw himself fit in Alonso's side.

"I'm an attacking player, left-handed, almost always playing on the right. I don't like talking too much about myself."

"I let other people do it, but I will give everything to help the team and so that Real Madrid supporters can feel what I feel," said Mastantuono.

The 18-year-old said he had met Jude Bellingham and called him his beloved player. He joined the team for the first time on Friday, August 15, 2025.

Real Madrid will play their first match in La Liga this season on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, local time, when they host Osasuna at Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid president called Mastantuono one of the greatest talents to emerge in the world of football in recent years, before naming the great Alfredo di Stefano, who has also played for River Plate and Real Madrid.