🔗 Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, featuring five starts. When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth. Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark 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 the manager's most promising protegees. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He 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 Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach 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 energy, personality and determination he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Character' During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his debut. "I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his coach. "His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to represent either country at senior international level. Under international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international. He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing 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 not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with interest. In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief. He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase future success. After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, featuring five starts. When an teenage makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight berth. Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark 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 the manager's most promising protegees. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He 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 Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach 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 energy, personality and determination he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Character' During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his debut. "I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his coach. "His standout trait is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I realize fans might be astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to represent either country at senior international level. Under international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international. He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing 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 not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with interest. In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying his manager's belief. He played 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the club chase future success. After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.