Why Los Blancos Possess 'Total Faith' in Teenager Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old creates Real Madrid history in a crucial European tie against Manchester City, it naturally attracts praise and attention.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - Thiago Pitarch 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 teenager, who also had his club debut in the qualifying round a few weeks prior with a cameo off the bench at Sporting Lisbon, then assisted Los Blancos overcome the English champions in the midweek return to secure a last eight berth.

At 18 years and 226 days, Pitarch was the club's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's record by 10 days.

Rapid Ascent Through La Fabrica

This talent is the latest to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most exciting young players.

He signed for Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico and Getafe academies, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a strong impression.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then managed by the former defender, where the teenager is said to have caught the attention of the current Real boss, who replaced Xabi Alonso in the new year.

Reports would later label the moment as "an instant connection," noting he excelled not only for his technical ability, but for the vitality, personality and drive he brought to the team.

'His Best Attribute Is His Character'

In the pre-season of 2025, ex-manager Alonso called up the youngster to train with the first team and gave him playing time during pre-season.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a second-half replacement in both ties against the Portuguese side that set up the meeting with Manchester City.

"I've dreamed of this each night before going to bed, the first day I began playing football, each day you go to train and every day you have a game," stated the player after his first appearance.

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

Given a starting debut in La Liga against his former club - where he spent several seasons after moving from Atletico in 2018 - he has retained his place for the next four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos provided an opening.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have defied his age and inexperience.

"He's a extremely fast player, and you can see his capabilities," remarked the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, work-rate and movement."

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

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He constantly demands the ball, and when pressed, he doesn't feel it.

"I realize people are surprised to see him start in a European fixture, but he's playing because I had complete trust in him to perform his normal game.

"Thiago will continue to get opportunities with the first team. It is delightful to coach a talent like him."

Spain or Morocco?

Born in Fuenlabrada, in the Madrid region, and grew up deeply involved in the local game, moving through youth setups before joining the club's renowned youth academy.

He holds dual Spanish and Moroccan citizenship, offering him the option to play for either country at senior international level.

According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may appear for different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only final once they play in a competitive senior international match.

He has played for the Spanish national team at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and under-20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Youth World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has not yet decided to any full national side, who are monitoring his progress with keen attention.

In a recent interview, Pitarch confirmed: "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 mirrors that of other dual nationality talents such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal. While teenage Lamine chose Spain, Diaz opted to represent the Atlas Lions.

Focus on the Future

At present, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and rewarding Arbeloa's faith.

He played 74 minutes in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with the German champions.

His substitution by another academy player in Manuel Angel underscored the coach's confidence in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.

Following his impressive impact so far on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.

"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We deal with it very normally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I have to earn my minutes on the pitch," he commented after the success at Etihad Stadium.