Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a teenage makes club a historic moment in a key Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English Premier League side in the midweek return to confirm a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

The midfielder is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during 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 present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and drive he added to the side.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the senior squad and awarded him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the first day I began playing the game, every day you head to training and each day you have a game," stated Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament."

Handed a first start in La Liga against Getafe - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand people are surprised to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a official full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very normally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.