Latest news with #ThiagoPitarch
Morocco World
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Regragui on Pitarch Case: Morocco ‘Doesn't Chase' Dual Nationals
As teenage Real Madrid wonderkid Thiago Pitarch finds himself at the centre of a tug-of-war between Morocco and Spain, Walid Regragui has moved to clarify his stance on players with dual nationality. Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, Regragui dismissed suggestions that Morocco aggressively pursues players of Moroccan origin. 'Football has changed, the world has changed,' he said. 'It's a multicultural world. Look at Spain – Nico Williams, Lamine Yamal, Aymeric Laporte, Robin Le Normand. What we want is for the best to play with us.' The 17-year-old starlet, born in Al Hoceima, has sparked a tug-of-war between Morocco and Spain after breaking through in the UEFA Youth League with La Roja, the Spanish team. Of his approach to recruitment, Regragui stressed the importance of Morocco's sporting project and infrastructure. 'We do our job. We speak to players about the project, the fans, and the affection they'll receive. Morocco now has world-class facilities and will host a World Cup with stadiums of the future,' he added. Regragui also made it clear he prefers players who commit early to those who dither over their options. 'With the spirit I want for the national team, it's better to choose early. When you hesitate, you show uncertainty. We talk to them young to understand their attitude. If they pick Morocco, fantastic. If they opt for France, Spain, Belgium… we wish them well.' Pitarch rose through the ranks at Atlético Madrid, Getafe, and Leganés before joining Real Madrid. He has already been approached by the Moroccan Football Federation in recent weeks. Tags: Morocco national teamThiago PitarchWalid Regragui
Morocco World
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Real Madrid's Thiago Pitarch Chooses Spain Over Morocco
Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch has snubbed Morocco to pledge his future to Spain's under-18s. The 17-year-old midfielder, tipped for a bright future at the Bernabéu, has accepted Spain head coach David Tenorio's invitation to join La Roja 26-man squad for an upcoming training camp from April 1 to 9, shutting the door on his Moroccan heritage – for now. Born in Fuenlabrada, just outside Madrid, Pitarch honed his footballing skills at Atlético Madrid, Getafe, and Leganés before joining Real's famed La Fábrica academy. Despite Moroccan roots through his father and grandparents from Al Hoceima, Pitarch has opted to represent Spain's youth team. According to reports from Spanish media outlets Mundo Deportivo and Marca, Spain acted quickly to lock Pitarch down before Morocco could swoop in with an official call-up for their U17 setup. Pitarch is capable of playing in central midfield or as a wide man. Los Blancos' coaches are keeping a close eye on his progress, hoping he will soon break into the first-team setup under the watchful eye of academy coach Álvaro Arbeloa. The teenager's decision is the latest twist in the tug-of-war between federations for top dual-nationality talents – most notably for Chemsdine Talbi, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Brahim Rabbaj. Morocco had high hopes of securing his services for the youth team, but Spain's early intervention appears to have won the contest. Tags: Ayyoub BouaddiChemsdine TalbiReal MadridThiago PitarchU17 Morocco
Ya Biladi
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Ya Biladi
Spain calls up Real Madrid prospect Thiago Pitarch amid Morocco interest
In an apparent move to preempt the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the Spanish Football Federation has invited Real Madrid youth player Thiago Pitarch, who has Moroccan roots, to join a training camp for Spain's under-18 national team. According to Spanish media reports, Pitarch, whose grandfather is from Al Hoceima, is known for his tactical versatility, allowing him to play as an advanced midfielder, a playmaker, and even as a false left winger. He has been called up to the Spain under-18 squad for a training camp in Las Rozas, aimed at preparing the next generation for the under-19 team and participating in friendly matches. This call-up comes just a month after he received an invitation from Morocco to join its under-17 team, led by former international player Noureddine Naybet. The 17-year-old midfielder began the season with Real Madrid's youth team B and has become a key figure in Arbeloa's squad in the first division youth league. Pitarch joined Real Madrid's academy in the 2023–2024 season after excelling in the youth systems of Getafe and Leganés. Before that, he was part of Atlético Madrid's academy.
