🔗 Share this article Why Los Blancos Possess 'Utter Confidence' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees. He joined 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. Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match 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 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 technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute 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, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening. The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience. "He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game. "Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy. He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match. He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest. In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future." This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success. After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that. "The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for the Spanish giants, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old creates club history in a crucial European match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention. In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then helped the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to secure a last eight berth. At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees. He joined 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. Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a friendly match 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 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 technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the side. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' During the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute 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, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance. "I've just fulfilled my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition." Given a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening. The teenager has seized it with performances that have defied his age and experience. "He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's incredibly dynamic, with excellent stamina, effort and movement." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed. "I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game. "Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Pitarch was born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering the club's famous youth academy. He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive senior international match. He has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the last eight. Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest. In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision yet. My situation is positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a decision in the near future." This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith. He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue future success. After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that. "The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.