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

Whenever a teenage makes club history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The young player, 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 champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's record by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.

He joined Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he quickly made a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Personality'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was the change in manager that became the defining moment in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing football, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," said Pitarch following his first appearance.

"I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," said the coach. "He is incredibly dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added he. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I realize people are astonished to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my final decision yet. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a decision soon."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. Whereas teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in younger players to aid the team chase future success.

After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must deserve my playing time on the field," he said following the win at Etihad Stadium.