🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, featuring five starts. Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final place. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward 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 famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees. He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance. "I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience. "He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does. "He will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy. He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international. He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief. He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club chase trophies to come. Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, featuring five starts. Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final place. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward 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 famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees. He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. Pitarch worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance. "I've just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and experience. "He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform what he usually does. "He will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy. He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international. He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future." His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding his manager's belief. He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with the German champions. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club chase trophies to come. Following his impressive impact to date on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the win at Manchester.