Mastantuono becomes Real Madrid's youngest debutant in the Champions League | OneFootball

Franco Mastantuono left his mark at the Santiago Bernabéu on a night that will be etched in the history books of Real Madrid.

The Argentinian midfielder started at the age of just 18 years and 33 days old in the opening match of the UEFA Champions League group stage against Olympique de Marseille.

Mastantuono's selection allowed him to break a record in the modern era of the tournament. Until now, the record was held by Endrick, who had been the youngest player to start for Madrid in a Champions League match in November 2024, at 18 years and 73 days old.

However, Mastantuono shaved forty days off that benchmark, setting a new milestone for the club.

The teenager put in a promising performance for Xabi Alonso's side to justify his selection, showing flashes of his talent on the Madrid night: dribbling, threading passes, and constantly seeking the ball.

The reaction of the crowd, the ovation when he was substituted, and the respect from his teammates contributed to a magical moment that is rarely experienced so early in a professional career on such a big stage.

Youngest players to debut for Real Madrid in the Champions League