Javier Saviola compares Franco Mastantuono, Real Madrid's new star, to James Rodriguez.

Real Madrid made official this Friday the signing of Argentine midfielder Franco Mastantuono , who will wear the white jersey from August 14, his 18th birthday, and will therefore compete in the Club World Cup with River Plate.

"Real Madrid CF announces that Franco Mastantuono will be a player for our club for the next six seasons, from August 14, 2025, to June 30, 2031," the club announced in a statement.

Marcador, the Radio MARCA program hosted by Pablo Parra, interviewed former Argentine footballer Javier Saviola , who recalled his career, having been a star for River and Barcelona, ​​and spoke about Franco's qualities.

"It reminds me a lot of my first steps," confessed the former player, who is a symbol of River Plate. "I made my debut for River Plate when I was 16, and by 19 I was already at Barça. Mastantuono is now experiencing something similar."

When asked about his playing style, Saviola was willing to compare him to Colombian James Rodríguez, who started out at Banfield in Argentina and reached Real Madrid in his prime, after being a star at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"For me, he has nothing to do with Lamine Yamal, but he does resemble James Rodríguez... He's a player Real Madrid likes," he said. "If you can handle the pressure of playing for River Plate, you're ready for Madrid," he added.

His signing by Real Madrid follows those of Spanish defender Dean Huijsen and Englishman Trent Alexander-Arnold, who were announced this week.

"On June 11, 2025, Franco Mastantuono exercised his release clause, in conjunction with Real Madrid, terminating his contract with River Plate early. The player will join the Spanish club after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup," River Plate stated in a statement.

"The total amount of the transaction was 63.2 million euros, equivalent to 72.6 million dollars, making it the largest transfer in the history of Argentine football. River Plate will receive a net 45 million euros (51.7 million dollars)," the Argentine club continued.

At 17, he is also the youngest player to play an official match for the Argentine national team in its history, Real Madrid explained in its statement.

Mastantuono, who will play with an Italian passport, trained at River Plate's youth academy between 2019 and 2024 and was part of the first team in the 2024-2025 season. In February 2024, he became the youngest scorer in River Plate's history, a team with which he won an Argentine Super Cup.

"Thank you, Franco, for your dedication and talent. It's a pride to see you grow at the Club. We wish you the best in this new era following the Club World Cup," River Plate said. The Madrid club hadn't signed an Argentine since 2010 (Ángel Di María) and hadn't had one in the first team since 2014 (Di María himself).

Real Madrid, who travel to the United States on Saturday for the Club World Cup, also named Xabi Alonso as their new coach, replacing Italian Carlo Ancelotti after failing to win a major title this season.