🔗 Share this article The Reason Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Trust' in Youngster Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, featuring five starts. When an 18-year-old 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 competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage 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 Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise From The Academy The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players. He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out 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 friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Spanish media 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, personality and drive he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced 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 started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player after his debut. "I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and experience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager. "His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy. He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at senior international level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match. Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest. In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided 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 Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue future success. After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that. "The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, featuring five starts. When an 18-year-old 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 competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first leg advantage 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 Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise From The Academy The midfielder is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players. He joined Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and starting out 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 friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Spanish media 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, personality and drive he brought to the side. 'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality' During the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced 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 started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated the player after his debut. "I've just fulfilled my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he was for several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity. The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and experience. "He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and movement." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager. "His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand people are surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does. "Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous youth academy. He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent both nations at senior international level. According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a official senior international match. Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals. Despite this, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are monitoring his rise with interest. In a recent interview, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future." This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim decided 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 Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team pursue future success. After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that. "The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.