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

When an 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws praise and the spotlight.

During his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a 3-0 last-16 first leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also had his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then helped the Madrid side defeat the English champions in Tuesday's return to confirm a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing Brazil forward Vinicius Jr's previous mark by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to come through from the famed youth system and is rapidly cementing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he quickly made a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the reserve side and it was in a friendly match in which they faced the senior squad, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have drawn the eye of the current Real boss, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later describe the moment as "love at first sight," adding he stood out not only for his technical ability, but for the energy, character and drive he brought to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Alonso invited the youngster to practice with the senior squad and awarded him minutes in the warm-up matches.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against the Portuguese side that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said Pitarch after his first appearance.

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

Handed a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opening.

Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.

"He is a extremely fast player, and you can observe his capabilities," remarked Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with excellent endurance, work-rate and mobility."

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed his manager.

"His standout trait is his character," added Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and even under pressure, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are astonished to watch him start in a European fixture, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to perform what he usually does.

"He will continue to get chances with the first team. It is delightful to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through local academies before joining the club's famous youth academy.

He holds both Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to represent either country at the highest level.

According to international regulations, footballers may appear for different countries at junior level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only final once they play in a official senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where La Roja made it to the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has yet to commit to either full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion soon."

His situation mirrors that of other bi-national talents such as Real team-mate Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for Spain, Diaz opted to play for Morocco.

Eyes on the Prize

For now, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the 2-1 win at City, which completed a 5-1 overall triumph and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

His substitution by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to help the team chase trophies to come.

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

"The manager handles me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it too much - I must earn my playing time on the field," he commented following the success at Manchester.