Mastantuono Joins Elite U-17 List for Most Minutes Played Worldwide

Franco Mastantuono continues to attract international attention as one of Argentina’s top young talents. According to TyC Sports, the River Plate midfielder has entered the CIES Football Observatory’s global ranking of players under 17 with the most minutes played since making their professional debut.

Mastantuono sits in 16th place with 52 appearances, tied with Málaga’s Aarón Ochoa and just behind New York City’s Máximo Carrizo. The list is topped by Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal (117 matches) and Pau Cubarsí (93), with Palmeiras’ Estêvão Willian also ranking among the top five. The River youngster is the only Argentine featured.

He made his first-team debut on January 28, 2024, against Argentinos Juniors and has since become a regular under Marcelo Gallardo. In his 52 matches, he has tallied five goals and five assists and set multiple club records, including being the youngest to score from a free kick and in a Copa Libertadores match for River Plate.

European giants are already taking notice. Reports have linked Mastantuono to both Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, River moved early to secure his future, renewing his contract in March 2024 through December 2026 and setting a release clause of €45 million — the highest in Argentine football.