🔗 Share this article The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees. He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed 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. Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player following his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game. "He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official full international. He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest. In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon." His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco. 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 over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase future success. After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that. "The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight. During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight place. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees. He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed 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. Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that set up the clash with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player following his debut. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the world and in the best competition." Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity. Pitarch has taken it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience. "He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his manager. "His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game. "He will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system. He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the option to play for both nations at senior international level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official full international. He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest. In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion soon." His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent Morocco. 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 over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club chase future success. After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that. "The manager treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.