Franco Mastantuono has yet to make his debut for Real Madrid, but he’s already causing a stir among fans. The 17-year-old Argentine, signed for €45 million from River Plate, arrived in the Spanish capital on August 2, and since then, he hasn’t gone unnoticed—especially because of his striking resemblance to Eminem.

With his platinum blond hair, serious gaze, and confident presence, fans flooded social media with comparisons to the famous American rapper. Comments like “We signed Eminem in tears” or “That’s not Franco, that’s Slim Shady” filled Madridista timelines, blending humor with high hopes for the young talent.

The Next Galáctico… or a Long-Term Project?

Madrid fans have every reason to be excited. Mastantuono is seen as one of the brightest prospects in Argentine football, and his signing was seen as a power move by Real Madrid in the transfer market. Although he can’t yet train with the first team, he’s already settled in Madrid, awaiting his 18th birthday on August 14, when he’ll officially be eligible to join Xabi Alonso’s squad.

Before boarding his flight to Europe, the young midfielder expressed his excitement: “I’ve waited a long time for this day. I’m very happy to travel and already be on my way to Madrid”, he said at Ezeiza International Airport. When asked about the comparisons to legend Alfredo Di Stéfano, he humbly responded: “A great player, a football legend. I said I wanted to follow in his footsteps—he played for River and then moved to Madrid. For me, it’s a beautiful path to follow, and hopefully I can do the same.”

For now, Mastantuono watches from the sidelines as his future teammates go through an intense preseason. This Tuesday, the squad completed its second training session, a nearly three-hour workout led by Xabi Alonso, who was without several key players such as Ferland Mendy, Jude Bellingham, and Endrick, all currently recovering from injuries.

The Argentine hopes to join the group soon, just before the friendly match against WSG Tirol on August 12, and days ahead of the La Liga opener against Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Although he hasn’t yet kicked a ball in the white shirt, Franco Mastantuono is already making headlines. If his performances on the pitch match the buzz he’s generating off it, Real Madrid may have their next superstar… or at least, the first “Slim Shady” at the Bernabéu.