From Real Madrid’s crisis to Thiago Pitarch’s breakthrough

Real Madrid have few positives from the disastrous 2025-26 season, but one of them was the emergence of Thiago Pitarch, whose personal progress over the past six months stands out. The teenager’s rise offers a rare bright spot amid the club’s struggles. The teenager midfielder was very impressive during the second half of the campaign after being promoted by Alvaro Arbeloa. He will have the chance to stay in the senior team if he is trusted by Jose Mourinho. It’s been a very good six months for Pitarch on a personal level, and he hopes to make it even better at the U19 Euros with Spain. Ahead of the final against Germany, the Real Madrid man spoke to El Larguero via Diario AS and said his confidence has been sky‑high at the Bernabeu.

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He noted that playing with the first team gives more confidence than being at Castilla. He added that he can operate as an 8, a 10 or a pivot, without a favourite position. “You don’t have time to think, you play every three days. But above all, I enjoyed the day to day when you are with the best players in the world, with your idols all the time I saw them on TV. Who surprised me? Obviously Mbappe and Vinicius impress in any game, but in training I would say Bellingham.” He also mentioned that he has been linked with a summer move to La Liga newcomers Malaga. Earlier this year, Pitarch made it clear that he wants to continue representing Spain at international level, although he remains eligible for Morocco. He recalled a March u21 call, expressed a dream of a senior call from De la Fuente, and said he hopes Morocco win on Saturday, leaving his future to God. The contrast between Real Madrid’s troubled season and Pitarch’s personal rise highlights a bright future for the teenager as he prepares for the U19 Euros and potential senior opportunities.