🔗 Share this article The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Utter Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final place. Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players. He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January. 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 determination he added to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during pre-season. However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side 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 football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut. "I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands 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 perform what he usually does. "Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at senior international level. Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue future success. Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to secure a quarter-final place. Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players. He joined Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January. 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 determination he added to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during pre-season. However, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side 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 football, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said Pitarch after his debut. "I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the world and in the top tournament." Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands 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 perform what he usually does. "Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, giving him the option to represent either country at senior international level. Under international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention. In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a decision soon." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team pursue future success. Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that. "The manager treats me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.