🔗 Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Possess 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place. At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise From The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression. He 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 youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January. Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season. Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and experience. "He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager. "His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy. He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level. According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international. Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, 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 will reach a conclusion in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Eyes on the Prize For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue future success. Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners claimed a 3-0 round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to confirm a last eight place. At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise From The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting young players. He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a strong impression. He 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 youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January. Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to practice with the first team and gave him minutes in pre-season. Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the first day I started playing football, every day you head to training and every day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. Pitarch has seized it with displays that have defied his youth and experience. "He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager. "His standout trait is his personality," continued he. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I realize fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy. He holds both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level. According to international regulations, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they play in a official full international. Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, 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 will reach a conclusion in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Eyes on the Prize For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in younger players to aid the team pursue future success. Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Manchester.