🔗 Share this article Why Los Blancos Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Thiago Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for the Spanish giants, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. 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 claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise From The Academy This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. Pitarch 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 Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance. "I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening. Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience. "He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game. "Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match. Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest. In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "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 echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club pursue future success. Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said following the win at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven games for the Spanish giants, including five appearances in the starting lineup. When an 18-year-old makes club history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention. 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 claimed a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The young player, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, Pitarch was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half. A Meteoric Rise From The Academy This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees. He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's academies, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a positive impact. Pitarch 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 Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year. Spanish media would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding Pitarch stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he added to the team. 'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality' In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and gave him playing time during the warm-up matches. However, it was the change in manager that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City. "I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch following his first appearance. "I've just achieved my ambition with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Handed a first start in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his place for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening. Pitarch has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and experience. "He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He is extremely dynamic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility." Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach. "His greatest quality is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the possession, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it. "I realize people are surprised to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game. "Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a talent like him." Spain or Morocco? Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before entering the club's famous La Fabrica system. He possesses dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the choice to play for both nations at the highest level. According to international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match. Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja made it to the last eight. Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are monitoring his progress with interest. In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "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 echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Diaz and Barca star Lamine Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief. He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at City, which sealed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich. He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the club pursue future success. Following his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to be a central figure in that. "Arbeloa handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he said following the win at Manchester.