Why Real Madrid Have 'Complete Trust' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates club a historic moment in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

During his maiden start in the tournament - and fifth game 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 Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a few weeks prior with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight place.

At 18 years old, the midfielder was the team's youngest player to start twice in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most exciting protegees.

He joined Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the B team and it was in a pre-season game in which they played against the senior squad, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who took over from the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," adding he excelled not only for his skill on the ball, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

During the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the first team and awarded him playing time in pre-season.

Yet, it was the change in manager that proved the defining moment in his development as he came on as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the world and in the best competition."

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against his former club - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opportunity.

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

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He is incredibly energetic, with great endurance, effort and movement."

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

"His greatest quality is his character," continued he. "He always wants the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I understand fans might be surprised to watch him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will keep receiving chances with the first team. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

A Future International Decision

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, progressing through local academies before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the choice to represent both nations at senior international level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent multiple nations at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain 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, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my ultimate choice so far. My situation is great with Spain, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. Whereas teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, 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 his manager's belief.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a five-one overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by fellow youth graduate in Manuel Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team pursue trophies to come.

Following his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, Pitarch is tipped to play a key role in that.

"The manager handles me the same. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it excessively - I have to earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.