🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch The teenager has featured in seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 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 overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. Rapid Ascent From The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees. He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch 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 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. Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season. Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut. "I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience. "He is a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him." A Future International Decision Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest. In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success. Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that. "The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.
The teenager has featured in seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal Champions League match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 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 overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days. Rapid Ascent From The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees. He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. Pitarch 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 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. Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time during pre-season. Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City. "I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you play a match," stated Pitarch following his debut. "I have just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition." Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has seized it with performances that have belied his age and experience. "He is a very quick footballer, and you can see his capabilities," said the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great endurance, effort and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I understand fans might be astonished to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete trust in him to perform what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a player like him." A Future International Decision Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level. Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive senior international match. Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his progress with interest. In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision so far. My situation is great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco. Eyes on the Prize For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success. Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that. "The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.