🔗 Share this article The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven games for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place. At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica The midfielder 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 Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact. Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached 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 the new year. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality' During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his first appearance. "I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch 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 continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy. He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level. Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international. He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco. Focus on the Future At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief. He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase future success. After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.
The teenager has featured in seven games for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place. At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica The midfielder 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 Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact. Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached 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 the new year. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality' During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his first appearance. "I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch 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 continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy. He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level. Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international. He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest. Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision soon." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to represent Morocco. Focus on the Future At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief. He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the club chase future success. After his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.