🔗 Share this article Why Los Blancos Possess 'Complete Faith' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight. During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth. At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees. He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, 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 during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster 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 brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance. "I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience. "He is a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game. "Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon." His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Eyes on the Prize At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase future success. Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that. "The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key Champions League match against City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight. During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a quarter-final berth. At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. Rapid Ascent From La Fabrica This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees. He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, 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 during a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster 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 brought to the team. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," said the player after his first appearance. "I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience. "He is a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do his normal game. "Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous youth academy. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to play for either country at the highest level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention. Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion soon." His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Eyes on the Prize At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase future success. Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that. "The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.