🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees. He signed for Real 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 quickly made a strong impression. He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament." Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience. "He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game. "Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." A Future International Decision Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy. He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match. He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco. Focus on the Future At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club pursue trophies to come. Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that. "The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees. He signed for Real 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 quickly made a strong impression. He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes during the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that set up the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player following his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament." Handed a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience. "He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game. "Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." A Future International Decision Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy. He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the choice to play for either country at the highest level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a official senior international match. He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz decided to play for Morocco. Focus on the Future At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club pursue trophies to come. Following his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that. "The manager treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.