Pitarch: Real Madrid’s rising star

Thiago Pitarch’s rise at Real Madrid has been anything but accidental. Álvaro Arbeloa first saw it in January 2025 during a youth friendly, spotting not only talent but stamina, personality and a fierce competitive streak. From that moment, Pitarch’s path accelerated from Juvenil A to Castilla and then to the first team.

His chance came because of injuries, but he has stayed there on merit. After 11 call-ups without playing, he finally broke through against Benfica, impressed again in Madrid, earned his first start against Getafe and then completed 90 minutes against Celta. Then came his appearance against Manchester City in the Champions League which had the legendary Thierry Henry gasping. Each step has strengthened the sense that this is no temporary fix.

Arbeloa has made his feelings clear. Pitarch, nicknamed “the beast,” gives Madrid the dynamism, movement and bravery the team has lacked. He wants the ball, handles pressure and keeps offering solutions.

In just a handful of appearances, Pitarch has gone from prospect to one of Madrid’s most exciting new names.

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