MADRID – Thiago Pitarch, the 18-year-old midfielder rapidly becoming a key figure for Real Madrid, has definitively declared his international allegiance to Spain, ending speculation about a potential switch to represent Morocco. The decision, confirmed by Spanish national team manager Luis de la Fuente, comes as Pitarch continues to impress for both Real Madrid and the Spanish youth national teams.
Pitarch has quickly established himself in the Real Madrid lineup, starting in three recent La Liga matches and playing a pivotal role in the club’s successful Champions League tie against Manchester City. His performances have drawn widespread acclaim, and some observers anticipated a call-up to the Spain Under-21 squad. Instead, he received a call-up to the Under-19 team, a move that coincided with renewed interest from the Moroccan Football Federation.
However, de la Fuente made it clear on Friday that Pitarch’s heart lies with La Roja. “It’s a similar case to Mosquera (who has dual Colombian and Spanish nationality),” de la Fuente stated, as reported by Foot Mercato. “The good news is that Thiago wants to play for Spain. He is very attached to the national team, as are other players, and that makes us very happy. We fully respect anyone who decides otherwise and prefers to play for another country, and we will wish them all the best, but I am very happy that Thiago has chosen to wear our shirt.”
Pitarch’s journey to the top has been swift. He joined Real Madrid from Leganes in 2023, having previously been with Atletico Madrid and Getafe’s youth teams. He quickly progressed through the ranks, initially featuring for the Juvenil C team before earning a spot with the B team. It was during a friendly match between the B team and Real Madrid’s first team, then coached by Alvaro Arbeloa, that Pitarch reportedly caught the eye of the current Real Madrid manager. The connection was described as “love at first sight,” with Pitarch standing out for his technical ability, energy, and determination.
The midfielder’s breakthrough moment came in Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Manchester City. At 18 years and 226 days old, Pitarch became the club’s youngest player to start twice in the Champions League knockout stages, surpassing the record previously held by Vinicius Jr. By 10 days. He too played a key role in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, helping Real Madrid secure a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory. Following the match, Pitarch spoke with maturity about the team’s approach, stating, “We came here to win, not just to defend the result,” according to Managing Madrid.
Even as Sunderland were reportedly interested in signing him, Pitarch was described as “the jewel of the academy,” and his commitment to Real Madrid and now, Spain, underscores his ambition and loyalty. His emergence provides a much-needed spark to Real Madrid’s defensive structure, as noted by reports, and his versatility makes him a valuable asset for both club and country.
The decision to represent Spain avoids a potential international tug-of-war and allows Pitarch to focus solely on his development with Real Madrid. For fans unfamiliar with the nuances of international eligibility, players with dual nationality often face difficult choices, weighing factors like family heritage, personal connection, and perceived opportunities for playing time. Pitarch’s clear preference for La Roja simplifies the situation and allows him to fully integrate into the Spanish national team system.
Pitarch’s next challenge will be continuing to cement his place in the Real Madrid starting lineup and contributing to the team’s pursuit of both La Liga and Champions League titles. He will also be looking to make a significant impact with the Spanish Under-19 team, potentially paving the way for a future call-up to the senior national team. Real Madrid’s next fixture is against Barcelona on March 29th at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (21:00 CET/15:00 EDT), a match where Pitarch’s performance will be closely scrutinized.
The young midfielder’s rapid ascent is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the strength of Real Madrid’s academy system. With his international future now settled, Thiago Pitarch can concentrate on fulfilling his immense potential and becoming a key player for both club and country for years to reach.
