🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Possess 'Total Trust' in Teenager Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention. During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees. He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Character' In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player after his debut. "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 arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does. "He 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 Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match. He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon." His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come. After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage makes Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention. During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight berth. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees. He joined Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Character' In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player after his debut. "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 arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility." The player's mindset has also impressed his manager. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to do what he usually does. "He 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 Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive senior international match. He has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with interest. Speaking recently, the player confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon." His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team chase trophies to come. After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "The manager treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.