🔗 Share this article The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise From 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 protegees. He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact. Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January. Spanish media would later label 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' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition." Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience. "He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned youth academy. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level. Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention. Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Eyes on the Prize At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue future success. Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise From 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 protegees. He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact. Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January. Spanish media would later label 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' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition." Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience. "He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's extremely dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," added he. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through youth setups before entering the club's renowned youth academy. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level. Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention. Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Eyes on the Prize At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue future success. Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager handles me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.