🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven matches for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth. At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso 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 energy, personality and drive he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut. "I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." A Future International Decision Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system. He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come. After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.
The teenager has featured in seven matches for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a key European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final berth. At 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso 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 energy, personality and drive he brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time in pre-season. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut. "I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, effort and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." A Future International Decision Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system. He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention. In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come. After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he said following the success at Manchester.