🔗 Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a key European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth. At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's 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 in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced 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 energy, personality and determination he added to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Character' During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player after his debut. "I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament." Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him." A Future International Decision Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international. Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon." His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph 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 the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage creates club a historic moment in a key European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final berth. At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's 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 in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced 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 energy, personality and determination he added to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Character' During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, each day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player after his debut. "I have just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament." Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has taken it with displays that have defied his age and experience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him." A Future International Decision Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international. Pitarch has featured for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon." His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent Morocco. Eyes on the Prize At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph 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 the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the win at Manchester.