The Reason Real Madrid Have 'Utter Faith' in Youngster Pitarch
Whenever a 18-year-old makes 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 15-time European champions secured a three-nil last-16 first-leg advantage at the Bernabeu.
The teenager, who also had his Real debut in the qualifying round a month ago with a substitute appearance at Sporting Lisbon, then helped Los Blancos defeat the English champions in the midweek second leg to confirm a last eight place.
At 18 years old, the midfielder became the team's most youthful starter to begin two matches in the Champions League's latter rounds, beating Brazil forward Vini Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.
Rapid Ascent From The Academy
The midfielder is the most recent to emerge from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising young players.
He signed for Madrid from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and starting out for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.
He worked his way up to the B team and it was during a friendly match in which they played against the academy's first team, then coached by the former defender, where the youngster is said to have drawn the eye of the present manager, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January.
Spanish media 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, character and drive he brought to the team.
'His Greatest Quality Remains His Personality'
In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the senior squad and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.
However, it was Arbeloa's appointment that became the turning point in his career as he was introduced as a late substitute in both ties against Benfica that led to the meeting with Manchester City.
"I have dreamed of this each night when sleeping, the very first time I started playing the game, each day you go to train and each day you play a match," said the player following his first appearance.
"I have just achieved my ambition with the best team in the planet and in the best competition."
Given a first start in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he spent four years after arriving from Atleti in 2018 - he has retained his place for the following four as fitness issues to Jude Bellingham and Ceballos created an opening.
Pitarch has seized it with performances that have defied his youth and inexperience.
"He is a extremely fast footballer, and you can see what he's capable of," said the coach. "He's extremely energetic, with great stamina, effort and mobility."
Pitarch's mentality has also stood out to his coach.
"His standout trait is his personality," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and when pressed, he remains unfazed.
"I realize fans might be astonished to watch him start in a Champions League match, but he's playing because I had total confidence in him to perform his normal game.
"Thiago will continue to get chances with the main squad. It is delightful to have a talent like him."
Spain or Morocco?
Born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in the local game, moving through youth setups before entering Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.
He holds dual Moroccan and Spanish nationality, giving him the option to play for both nations at the highest level.
According to Fifa eligibility rules, players may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the final decision only binding once they appear in a competitive full international.
Pitarch has featured for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the under-19 and U20 teams, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain reached the quarter-finals.
Despite this, he has not yet decided to either full national side, who are watching his progress with keen attention.
Speaking recently, Pitarch confirmed: "I have not taken my ultimate choice so far. Things are great with Spain, but I will reach a conclusion in the near future."
His situation echoes that of other bi-national players such as Real team-mate Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While teenage Lamine opted for La Roja, Diaz opted to represent Morocco.
Focus on the Future
For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Madrid lineup and repaying his manager's belief.
He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which completed a 5-1 aggregate success and a quarter-final tie with Bayern Munich.
He was replaced by another academy player in Angel underscored Arbeloa's trust in younger players to help the team chase trophies to come.
After his impressive impact to date on the Champions League, Pitarch is expected to play a key role in that.
"Arbeloa treats me the identical way. We handle it very naturally. I try not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the win at Etihad Stadium.
