🔗 Share this article Why Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Faith' in Teenager Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for the Spanish giants, including five starts. When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth. Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Is His Character' During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player following his first appearance. "I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his age and experience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game. "Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level. According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match. Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future." His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco. Focus on the Future At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come. Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for the Spanish giants, including five starts. When an teenage makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a quarter-final berth. Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Is His Character' During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in pre-season. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player following his first appearance. "I have just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in La Liga against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his age and experience. "He's a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I realize fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game. "Thiago will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned youth academy. He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level. According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match. Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with interest. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future." His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco. Focus on the Future At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He played 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come. Following his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said after the win at Etihad Stadium.