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

When an 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against City, it naturally attracts acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the team - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first leg lead at the Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real 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 secure a last eight place.

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

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

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

Pitarch worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by Arbeloa, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a second-half replacement in each leg against Benfica that set up the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," stated the player after his debut.

"I have just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the planet and in the top tournament."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

Pitarch has taken it with displays that have defied his youth and experience.

"He is a very quick footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and mobility."

The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach.

"His greatest quality is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous La Fabrica system.

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

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a official senior international match.

Pitarch has featured for the Spanish national team at underage levels, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my final decision yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, Pitarch's focus is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution 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 notable contributions so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented after the success at Manchester.