Franco Mastantuono has joined Fiorentina on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, the clubs confirmed on Friday. The Argentina international was one of the most sought-after young talents when he signed for Madrid — beating Paris Saint-Germain — from River Plate in June 2025, on a six-year deal. The winger, 18, struggled to make an impact at the Bernabéu last season and now joins Serie A's Fiorentina until June 30, 2027.

"It's a special day for me," Mastantuono said. "I was excited about joining the club... It's a team with a lot of history." Mastantuono emerged as a star at River, making his senior debut aged 16 and becoming the youngest player to play for Argentina's national team in June 2025.

With Madrid last season he made 35 appearances across La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Supercopa — scoring three goals — but featured more early on, and his lack of impact saw him left out of Argentina's squad for the World Cup.