Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a teenage creates club a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth appearance for the team - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago 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 champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From 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 exciting young players.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe 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 drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to train with the senior squad and awarded him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you go to train and every day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him make his debut in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's renowned youth academy.

He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to represent either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his rise with interest.

In a recent interview, 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."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine chose La Roja, Brahim decided to represent Morocco.

Focus on the Future

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding his manager's belief.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the club pursue trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he said following the success at Manchester.