The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

When an teenage creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a pivotal European tie against City, it inevitably draws acclaim and attention.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth appearance for the club - the young midfielder made a strong impression as the 15-time European champions claimed a three-nil round of 16 first-leg lead at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to secure a last eight berth.

Aged 18 years old, the midfielder was the club's youngest player to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise Through The Academy

This talent is the latest to come through from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of Alvaro Arbeloa's most promising young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe youth teams, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

He worked his way up to the B team and it was in a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and drive he brought to the side.

'His Best Attribute Remains His Personality'

During the pre-season of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time during pre-season.

However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his development as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against Benfica that led to the clash with Manchester City.

"I have dreamed of this every night when sleeping, the very first time I began playing football, every day you go to train and every day you play a match," stated the player after his debut.

"I've just fulfilled my ambition 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 kept his spot for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

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

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

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be astonished to see him make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform what he usually does.

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

A Future International Decision

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Spanish capital's community, and was raised fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through youth setups before joining the club's famous La Fabrica system.

He possesses dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, giving him the choice to play for both nations at senior international level.

Under Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent multiple nations at youth level without being permanently tied, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, representing both the under-19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where La Roja reached the quarter-finals.

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

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "I haven't made my final decision so far. My situation is positive with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."

His situation echoes that of other dual nationality talents such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Yamal opted for La Roja, Diaz decided to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

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

He played over an hour in the two-one victory at the Etihad, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by another academy player in Angel to emphasise the coach's confidence in the next generation to aid the club chase trophies to come.

After his notable contributions so far on European football's biggest stage, the midfielder is expected to be a central figure in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to think about it excessively - I have to deserve my minutes on the pitch," he said following the success at Etihad Stadium.