Franco Mastantuono’s early debut in River-Argentinos: at 16 years old he climbs onto a historic Millonario podium

The Inferiores de River continue to be an inexhaustible quarry. Every year new gems come to light. Last year it was the Little Devil Claudius Echeverry At just 17 years old and already sold to Manchester City. And this Sunday, January 28th, was the premiere of Franco Mastantuono, the boy from Azul who joined Facundo Colidio and played his first official match with just 16 years, five months and 14 days. So, moreover, it became the third youngest player to make his debut in the First Division in the history of the millionaire club.

In his hometown, the boy distinguished himself in two sports: tennis and football. In the first he was among the five best in the national Under 12 ranking. In the second, the left-handed dazzled the River youth managers in a test done in 2015. But it took four years to convince him to do so. reach the club pension.

In five years he went from standing out at Novena, Séptima and Quinta to being part of the professional team he manages Martin Demichelis and participate in the 2024 pre-season. In August last year he signed his first contract, until December 2025, with a €30 million release clause.

On 10 December 2006, in a 1-1 draw against Vélez, Matteo Musacchio He became the youngest footballer to debut in River’s first division. He was 16 years, three months and 15 days old. Left behind was the brand founded by Omar Guillermo RosYes, Pipo’s brother, Néstor Rossi, who made his debut in the professional strike of 1948, on 28 November against San Lorenzo (3-3) at 16 years, 4 months and 24 days. Unlike other youth players who play during strike periods, Rossi later established himself in the First Division, with a loan to Huracán and a successful return to the club. However, in 1957 he was diagnosed with leukemia and he died on 11 July 1957, aged 25.

Three other club glories also made their debuts at the age of 16. The first was Adolfo Pedernera, who on 28 July 1935 (1-1 with Ferro) was that age at eight months and 13 days. Already in the 80s, Pablo Aimar he made his debut on 11 August 1996 (0-1 with Colón) at 16 years, nine months and four days, while at Javier Saviola He was 24 days away from turning 17, on 18 October 1998 against Gimnasia de Jujuy (2-2).

“Mastantuono was a childhood tennis champion in Argentina. He wasn’t completely convinced by football but luckily by living in the club’s guest house and with the matches he was convinced to stay with us.”he had told her a few days ago Gabriele Rodrigueztoday Children’s Coordinator, a Clarion. The boy is left-handed, a classic hitter, with technical and tactical versatility to move as an attacking midfielder, he is a dribbler and has a formidable punch.