🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth. At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year. Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side. 'His Best Attribute Is His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance. "I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience. "He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I realize people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international. Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future." This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come. Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth. At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year. Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side. 'His Best Attribute Is His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance. "I have just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience. "He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I realize people are astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they play in a competitive full international. Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future." This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase trophies to come. Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.