Madrid, Spain – Thiago Pitarch, the 18-year-old midfielder rapidly establishing himself at Real Madrid, has been named to the Spain Under-19 national team squad by manager Paco Gallardo. The call-up comes as the team prepares for the Elite Round mini-tournament, a crucial step toward qualification for both the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and the FIFA U-20 World Cup. While some might view this as a step down given his recent inclusion in Real Madrid’s first team, Spain U-21 head coach David Gordo emphatically disagrees, believing Pitarch is fully prepared for the challenge.
“He is absolutely prepared to play with the U-21s and he’s demonstrating that at his club,” Gordo stated, according to reports. “However, we’ve decided that it’s most beneficial for him to be with the U-19s as they compete for qualification for the upcoming European Championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the U-20 World Cup. This is standard practice within the Federation. Everything has been discussed and agreed upon, with the best interests of all the RFEF’s national teams in mind.”
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been actively working to secure Pitarch’s commitment to Spain, particularly given his Moroccan heritage through his grandfather, which would have made him eligible to represent Morocco. Gordo highlighted the comprehensive approach taken by the Federation, starting with youth levels, to nurture talent and foster a sense of belonging. “From the U-14 level all the way up to the president, everyone is working to provide the Spanish national teams with the best possible tools, the best players, and the best raw talent,” he explained. “Departments have been created to monitor these players, and we work to ensure they seek to represent Spain. It’s a personal decision for them, but we can offer the best environment for their growth as people and as footballers, making them experience like part of a family.”
Gordo’s assessment of Pitarch’s potential is unequivocal. “I see him prepared for anything he wants to achieve. He has the qualities, and he will become the footballer he wants to be,” he asserted. “He just needs to keep working hard, and if he continues to perform well, he will undoubtedly earn a call-up to the senior national team one day.” Gordo also expressed confidence in the potential of other young players within the Spanish system, suggesting that a breakthrough to the senior team is within reach for many.
Pitarch’s journey to this point has been marked by consistent progression. According to Wikipedia, he began his youth career with Atlético Madrid in 2013 before moving to Getafe in 2018 and then Leganés in 2022. He joined Real Madrid in 2023, quickly making an impact within their youth system. He progressed from Juvenil C to Juvenil B and was promoted to Juvenil A by coach Álvaro Arbeloa in January 2025, where he became a key starter. A further promotion to Real Madrid’s reserve team followed in July 2025, and he recently extended his contract with the club through 2030.
His senior debut arrived on February 17, 2026, in a Champions League match against Benfica, coming on as a late substitute in a 1-0 victory. This milestone underscores his rapid ascent and the faith placed in him by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. The Yahoo Sports report highlights that Pitarch has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Arbeloa’s management, establishing himself as a regular in the first-team lineup and significantly increasing his market value.
The debate surrounding his international future, with both Spain and Morocco vying for his allegiance, is a testament to his burgeoning talent. The RFEF’s proactive approach in nurturing young players like Pitarch is clearly paying dividends, ensuring a pipeline of talent for the Spanish national teams. The federation’s commitment to providing a supportive environment and fostering a sense of national pride appears to have resonated with the young midfielder, solidifying his decision to represent Spain.
Pitarch’s inclusion in the Spain U-19 squad for the Elite Round tournament, where they will face Slovenia, Finland, and the Netherlands, presents a significant opportunity for him to showcase his abilities on the international stage. The tournament is a critical step towards qualification for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and, the FIFA U-20 World Cup. For Pitarch, it’s a chance to continue his impressive development and further cement his place as one of Spain’s most promising young talents.
The midfielder’s versatility and technical skills have drawn comparisons to established players in La Liga, and his ability to dictate play from midfield makes him a valuable asset for both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. His recent performances have demonstrated a maturity beyond his years, and his commitment to continuous improvement suggests a bright future ahead.
Looking ahead, Pitarch will rejoin Real Madrid following the international break, where he will continue to compete for a place in the first team. His progress will be closely monitored by both Ancelotti and Gordo, as they assess his development and potential for future involvement with the senior national team. The next confirmed checkpoint for Pitarch is Real Madrid’s upcoming La Liga match against Barcelona on March 29th, 2026, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
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