Why Real Madrid Have 'Total Faith' in Youngster Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid a historic moment in a key European match against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and the spotlight.

In only his maiden start in the competition - and fifth game for the club - Thiago Pitarch suitably impressed as the fifteen-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The teenager, who also made his club debut in the play-off round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Benfica, then assisted Los Blancos defeat the English Premier League side in Tuesday's second leg to secure a last eight place.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder was the team's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's record by 10 days.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the famed youth system and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from CD Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico and Getafe's academies, and initially featuring for the under-19 side, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

He progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they faced the academy's first team, then managed by Arbeloa, where the youngster is said to have caught the attention of the present manager, who replaced the previous coach in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "love at first sight," noting he stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, character and determination he added to the team.

'His Greatest Quality Remains His Character'

In the summer of 2025, former boss Xabi Alonso called up the youngster to train with the senior squad and gave him minutes in pre-season.

Yet, 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 set up the clash with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the very first time I started playing the game, every day you go to train and each day you have a game," said the player after his debut.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atleti in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the next four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos created an opening.

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

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

Pitarch's mentality has also impressed 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 make his debut in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the main squad. It's a pleasure to have a player like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, progressing through local academies before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He possesses both Moroccan and Spanish nationality, offering him the option to play for both nations at senior international level.

According to international regulations, players may appear for multiple nations at junior level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they appear in a competitive senior international match.

He has featured for the Spanish national team at youth level, representing both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are watching his progress with interest.

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

This scenario mirrors that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Yamal chose La Roja, Brahim opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Eyes on the Prize

At present, his attention is on establishing himself in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which completed a five-one aggregate success and a quarter-final matchup with Bayern Munich.

He was replaced by fellow youth graduate in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in the next generation to aid the club pursue future success.

After his notable contributions to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is tipped 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 too much - I have to deserve my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the success at Manchester.