🔗 Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven games for the Spanish giants, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth. At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent From The Academy This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players. He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression. Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality' In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his debut. "I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience. "He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level. Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come. After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.
The teenager has featured in seven games for the Spanish giants, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth. At 18 years old, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent From The Academy This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players. He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression. Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in January. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality' In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his debut. "I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience. "He is a very quick player, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for either country at the highest level. Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come. After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the win at Etihad Stadium.