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

When an 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial Champions League tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He worked his way up 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 teenager is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes during pre-season.

However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the top tournament."

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

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

"He's a very quick footballer, and you can observe what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely dynamic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," continued he. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to do what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through local academies before entering Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

He holds both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a official senior international match.

He has featured for Spain at underage levels, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest.

Speaking recently, the player said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight tie with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the team pursue future success.

Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very normally. I try not to think about it excessively - I must earn my minutes on the field," he said after the success at Etihad Stadium.