🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Character' In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side 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, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance. "I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience. "He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game. "Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him." A Future International Decision Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match. He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight. Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention. In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future." His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team pursue trophies to come. After his impressive impact 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 naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for Real Madrid, including five appearances in the starting lineup. Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight. During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to confirm a quarter-final place. Aged 18 years old, the midfielder became the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression. He progressed to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January. Spanish media would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he added to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Is His Character' In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to practice with the senior squad and gave him minutes in the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in each leg against the Portuguese side 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, each day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player after his first appearance. "I've just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the top tournament." Given a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he was for several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening. The teenager has taken it with displays that have belied his youth and experience. "He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent stamina, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his personality," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed. "I realize fans might be surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game. "Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to coach a player like him." A Future International Decision Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in the local game, moving through local academies before entering the club's renowned La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the choice to represent both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, players may represent different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match. He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight. Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention. In a recent interview, the player said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a decision in the near future." His situation mirrors that of other bi-national players such as club colleague Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Yamal opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He featured for 74 minutes in the 2-1 win at the Etihad, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a last-eight tie with the German champions. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team pursue trophies to come. After his impressive impact 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 naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the win at Manchester.