The Reason Los Blancos Have 'Total Trust' in Youngster Thiago Pitarch

Whenever a 18-year-old makes club history in a key Champions League tie against Manchester City, it inevitably draws acclaim and the spotlight.

In only his first start in the tournament - and fifth game for the team - the young midfielder suitably impressed as the 15-time European champions secured a 3-0 round of 16 first leg advantage at the Bernabeu.

The young player, who also made his Real debut in the play-off round a month ago with a cameo off the bench at Benfica, then assisted the Madrid side overcome the English Premier League side in the midweek second leg to confirm a quarter-final berth.

Aged 18 years and 226 days, the midfielder became the club's most youthful starter to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, beating star Vinicius Jr's previous mark by a week and a half.

A Meteoric Rise From La Fabrica

This talent is the most recent to come through from the club's academy and is quickly establishing himself as one of the manager's most promising protegees.

He signed for Real from Leganes in the summer of 2023, having formerly spent time at Atletico Madrid and Getafe's youth teams, and initially featuring for the Juvenil C team, where he rapidly created a positive impact.

Pitarch progressed to the reserve side and it was in a pre-season game in which they faced the academy's first team, then coached 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 describe the moment as "an instant connection," noting Pitarch stood out not only for his skill on the ball, but for the energy, personality and determination he brought to the side.

'His Greatest Quality Is His Character'

In the summer of 2025, ex-manager Xabi Alonso invited Pitarch to train with the first team and gave him playing time in the warm-up matches.

Yet, it was Arbeloa's appointment that proved the turning point in his career as he came on as a late substitute in each leg against Benfica that led to the meeting with Pep Guardiola's team.

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

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

Handed a starting debut in the Spanish league against Getafe - where he was for four years after arriving from Atletico in 2018 - he has kept his spot for the following four as injuries to Jude Bellingham and Dani Ceballos provided an opportunity.

The teenager has taken it with performances that have belied his age and experience.

"He's a very quick player, and you can observe his capabilities," said Arbeloa. "He's incredibly energetic, with great endurance, work-rate and mobility."

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

"His standout trait is his character," continued Arbeloa. "He always wants the possession, and even under pressure, he remains unfazed.

"I understand fans might be surprised to see him start in a Champions League match, but he is selected because I had complete confidence in him to do his normal game.

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

Spain or Morocco?

Pitarch was born in a Madrid suburb, in the Madrid region, and grew up fully immersed in Spanish football, progressing through local academies before joining Real Madrid's renowned La Fabrica system.

He possesses both Spanish and Moroccan nationality, offering him the option to play for either country at the highest level.

Under international regulations, footballers may represent different countries at youth level without being locked in, with the ultimate choice only binding once they play in a competitive full international.

Pitarch has played for Spain at youth level, turning out for both the U19 and under-20 sides, and took part in the 2025 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, where Spain made it to the last eight.

Despite this, he has yet to commit to any senior national team, who are watching his rise with interest.

Speaking recently, Pitarch said: "I have not taken my final decision so far. Things are great with the Spanish federation, but I'll make a conclusion in the near future."

This scenario mirrors that of other dual nationality players such as club colleague Brahim Diaz and Barcelona forward Yamal. While 18-year-old Lamine opted for La Roja, Brahim decided to play for Morocco.

Focus on the Future

For now, Pitarch's focus is on making his mark in the Real side and repaying Arbeloa's faith.

He featured for over an hour in the two-one win at City, which sealed a 5-1 aggregate success and a last-eight matchup with Bayern Munich.

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

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

"The manager handles me the same. We deal with it very naturally. I attempt not to overanalyze it too much - I must earn my playing time on the pitch," he commented following the success at Etihad Stadium.