🔗 Share this article Why Real Madrid Possess 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees. He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe 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 during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he 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 summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player following his debut. "I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience. "He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him." A Future International Decision Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy. He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level. According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match. He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest. 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." His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue future success. After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.
Thiago Pitarch has played seven matches for Real Madrid, featuring five appearances in the starting lineup. When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a pivotal European match against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight. In only his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu. The teenager, who also made his Real debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a quarter-final place. At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by a week and a half. Rapid Ascent Through The Academy This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting protegees. He signed for Real from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe 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 during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from Xabi Alonso in the new year. Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting he 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 summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him minutes during the warm-up matches. Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the defining moment in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team. "I have dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I began playing football, every day you head to training and each day you play a match," stated the player following his debut. "I have just fulfilled my dream with the greatest club in the world and in the top tournament." Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening. The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his youth and inexperience. "He is a very quick footballer, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility." The player's mindset has also stood out to his coach. "His standout trait is his personality," added he. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it. "I understand fans might be surprised to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does. "He will keep receiving opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to coach a talent like him." A Future International Decision Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy. He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to represent either country at senior international level. According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being locked in, with the final decision only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match. He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the last eight. Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest. 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." His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barca star Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine chose La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions. Focus on the Future At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith. He played over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich. His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the club pursue future success. After his notable contributions so far on the Champions League, the midfielder is expected to play a key role in that. "Arbeloa handles me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he said after the success at Manchester.