Yassine Bounou opens Morocco door for Real Madrid youngster Thiago Pitarch

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has welcomed Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch as the player considers a possible move into the national-team set-up with the Lions of the Atlas.

Pitarch is currently the subject of discussions over a potential future integration into the Morocco squad. The midfielder has a family connection to Morocco, a link which has placed him within the country’s efforts to attract young dual-nationality players developing in European football.

Bounou, who represents Morocco internationally, addressed Pitarch in particularly warm terms during a recent statement. The goalkeeper emphasised that the player would be welcomed by the national team because of his family ties to the kingdom.

“Thiago Pitarch has family in Morocco. He will always be welcomed with open arms. Any player who has a connection with Morocco is welcome, even more so if he plays for Real Madrid.”

The comments underline Morocco’s continued policy of engaging with young talents who have links to the country while building their careers in European leagues. Pitarch’s family connection provides a natural route towards the Lions of the Atlas, while his position at Real Madrid has added further attention to his situation.

Bounou’s message was framed as an open invitation rather than a formal announcement of a call-up. Pitarch is currently only being discussed as a possible addition to the national-team set-up, and the article does not indicate that his integration has yet been completed.

The goalkeeper’s remarks nevertheless make clear the value Morocco places on players from its diaspora. By describing every player with a Moroccan connection as welcome, Bounou highlighted the broader opportunity available to footballers who share that link, regardless of where they have developed their careers.

Pitarch’s association with Real Madrid makes his case especially notable. The club is described as one of the biggest in the world, and the midfielder’s progress there has helped bring his potential relationship with Morocco into focus.

For now, the discussions centre on whether Pitarch could eventually become part of the Lions of the Atlas. Bounou’s intervention has publicly reinforced the message that the door is open to the young Real Madrid player and to other footballers with family connections to Morocco.

The approach reflects the national team’s wider interest in established young dual-nationality talent competing in European championships. In Pitarch’s case, the combination of his Moroccan family background and his connection with Real Madrid has created a natural bridge towards Morocco, with Bounou making clear that he would be received warmly if that path develops.