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

When an 18-year-old makes Real Madrid history in a pivotal Champions League match against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his first start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, 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 Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing star Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is rapidly cementing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising protegees.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe academies, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against 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 replaced 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 skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

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

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," stated Pitarch after his first appearance.

"I have just achieved my dream with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent several seasons after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his place for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has seized it with displays that have belied his age and inexperience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His greatest quality is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and was raised deeply involved in Spanish football, moving through youth setups before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

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

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for the Spanish national team at underage levels, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to either senior national team, who are monitoring his rise with keen attention.

In a recent interview, the player confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice yet. Things are great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal opted for Spain, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.

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

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team pursue trophies to come.

After his notable contributions to date on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa handles me the same. We deal with it very normally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I have to earn my playing time on the field," he said after the success at Manchester.