Real Madrid teenage breakout star emerging as the MVP at U19 European Championships | OneFootball

Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch is enjoying a remarkable rise for both club and country, and his decision to represent Spain over Morocco is already beginning to bear fruit. 

According to a report from AS, the teenage midfielder is now the leading contender to be named the UEFA Under-19 European Championship MVP, capping what has been an outstanding breakthrough year.

This development comes ahead of Spain’s Under-19 European Championship final, where Pitarch is expected to play a central role as La Rojita look to lift the trophy.

Pitarch’s commitment to Spain pays off

Pitarch’s progress over the past 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable. 

After impressing in Real Madrid’s academy, the midfielder established himself as one of the club’s brightest young talents in the first team before carrying that form into Spain’s youth setup.

At the Under-19 European Championship, the Real Madrid midfielder has become one of the standout performers of the tournament and is currently viewed as the favourite to receive the competition’s Most Valuable Player award.

His journey with Spain began only last year when the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) moved to include him in the squad for the Under-20 World Cup despite the fact that he had never previously represented Spain at youth level.

The decision proved to be an inspired one, as Pitarch adapted immediately, earned the coaching staff’s trust and has since become one of the team’s most influential midfielders.

Pitarch rejected Morocco despite strong interest

Pitarch’s rapid development inevitably attracted attention beyond Spain.

Born in Fuenlabrada to a family with Moroccan roots through his father’s side, the Real Madrid academy graduate remains eligible to represent Morocco internationally. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by thiago pitarch (@thiiaago_8)

Keeping that in mind, the Moroccan Football Federation made several attempts to convince him to switch allegiances, particularly after his UEFA Champions League debut for Real Madrid against Benfica.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Morocco offered the midfielder a quicker pathway to senior international football, although Pitarch chose to remain patient and continue his journey with Spain.

As such, Pitarch’s performances throughout the Under-19 European Championship have shown why Spain were so determined to secure his commitment.

Operating at the heart of midfield, he has provided five assists while starting each of his team’s matches. 

Simply put, Pitarch’s influence has been instrumental in Spain’s run to the final, where another strong display could strengthen his claim for the MVP award.