🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, including five starts. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention. In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth. At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise From The Academy This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance. "I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game. "Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match. He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon." His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come. After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, including five starts. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention. In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth. At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise From The Academy This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in January. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance. "I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and inexperience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game. "Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match. He has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon." His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He played over an hour in the two-one victory at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come. After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Manchester.