River Plate continues to demonstrate that its youth academy is inexhaustible, with a training model that combines work, patience, and a commitment to young talent. From the Monumental to the world, the young millionaires keep making their mark.
In recent times, under the guidance of coaches like Marcelo Gallardo and Martín Demichelis, the club has promoted young talents who already shine in the First Division and even in European football.
Julián Álvarez
Although his official debut was in 2018, his football explosion occurred between 2020 and 2022, becoming one of the great figures of the Gallardo era.
The Spider is a complete forward, with mobility, finishing, and game vision. On the national level, during his time with the Millionaire, he won the 2019 Copa Argentina, the 2019 Supercopa Argentina, the 2021 Professional League, where he was the tournament's top scorer, and the 2021 Champions Trophy. Internationally, he was part of the champion team of the legendary 2018 Libertadores against Boca, and the 2019 Recopa Sudamericana.
In mid-2022, Julián was transferred to Manchester City and in less than a year he had already won a Champions League (2023), two Premier Leagues (2022/23 and 2023/2024), and a Club World Cup (2024).
Additionally, his extraordinary level led him to wear the jersey of the Argentina National Team, where he won two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024), a Finalissima (2022), and a World Cup (2022).
With all these titles, many fans say that Julián "completed football." This statement might be a bit exaggerated considering that the former River player is only 25 years old and still lacks individual titles, like The Best or the Ballon d'Or; however, what he has achieved in such a short time is undeniable.
Currently, Julián plays for Atlético Madrid, and he is one of the team's top scorers. There he shares the squad with several Argentinians and world champions, like Rodrigo De Paul and Nahuel Molina.
Franco Mastantuono
At just 17 years old, this talented attacking midfielder is one of the great appearances in Argentine football. The native of Azul chose football after a successful career as a child tennis player, and today he is one of the best players, or the best, on Gallardo's team.
His debut was on January 28, 2024, during Martín Demichelis's tenure, and from the first moment, the young player demonstrated his talent and quickly became the youngest top scorer in the club's history, surpassing Conejito Saviola.
