The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 last-16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by Arbeloa, 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.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated Pitarch after his debut.

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

Handed a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

The player's mindset has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand people are astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.

"He will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the choice to play for either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either senior national team, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with the Spanish federation, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose Spain, Brahim opted to play for the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club pursue future success.

After his impressive impact so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.