Why Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

When an 18-year-old makes club a historic moment in a key European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

During his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the fifteen-time Champions League winners secured a 3-0 last-16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, surpassing Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing 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 quickly made a positive impact.

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 managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who took over from Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later describe the moment as "an instant connection," adding Pitarch excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, character and determination he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the defining moment in his development as he was introduced as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the first day I started playing the game, every day you head to training and every day you play a match," said the player following his debut.

"I've just achieved my dream with the greatest club in the planet and in the best competition."

Given a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

Pitarch has seized it with displays that have belied his youth and experience.

"He's a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, effort and movement."

Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He always wants the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do what he usually does.

"Thiago will keep receiving opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, moving through local academies before joining Real Madrid's famous youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish citizenship, offering him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, footballers may appear for different countries at youth level without being permanently tied, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the U19 and U20 sides, and participated in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his rise with keen attention.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I haven't made my ultimate choice yet. My situation is positive with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. Whereas 18-year-old Lamine opted for Spain, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played over an hour in the 2-1 victory at the Etihad, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to help the team chase future success.

Following his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to think about it too much - I have to deserve my minutes on the field," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.