Morocco football authorities step up chase for Real Madrid talent Thiago Pitarch

Morocco have reportedly stepped up efforts to convince highly rated Real Madrid midfielder Thiago Pitarch to represent the Atlas Lions at international level, as the North African giants continue their strategy of recruiting dual-nationality talents across Europe.

In recent years, Morocco has successfully persuaded several players with European roots to switch allegiance to the Atlas Lions, most notably Brahim Díaz, who opted to represent the North African nation despite having represented Spain at youth level.

However, Morocco also faced disappointment when teenage sensation Lamine Yamal chose to commit his future to the Spanish national team.

Per reports, Morocco’s football authorities have recently approached Pitarch in an attempt to convince him to follow a similar path to Díaz and pledge his international future to the Atlas Lions.

Pitarch, who is currently developing at Real Madrid, is believed to be eligible to represent Morocco through his family heritage. The report states that the young midfielder’s grandfather was born in the northern Moroccan city of Al Hoceima, giving him the option to play for the North African side under FIFA’s eligibility rules.

The talented midfielder has recently enjoyed increased involvement with Real Madrid and continues to gain valuable experience at the highest level. He was included in the starting lineup during the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 clash against Manchester City, underlining the growing confidence placed in him by the coaching staff.

Pitarch also started in back-to-back La Liga fixtures against Getafe CF and RC Celta de Vigo during matchweeks 26 and 27, further highlighting his rising status within the squad.

Despite Morocco’s interest, the latest reports suggest that Spain currently holds the advantage in the race for his international allegiance. According to Mundo Deportivo, Pitarch is expected to receive a call-up to the Spain national under‑21 football team in the coming international window.

The midfielder has already represented Spain at youth level, having made seven appearances for the country’s youth national teams. Sources close to the situation indicate that both the player and his family are inclined to continue his international career with Spain rather than switch to Morocco.

Morocco’s pursuit of Pitarch mirrors the approach that previously led to the recruitment of Díaz. The former Manchester City academy graduate, who was born in Spain, ultimately chose to represent Morocco at senior international level.

Díaz went on to feature for Morocco at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations, where the Atlas Lions reached the final but were defeated by Senegal national football team in a dramatic showdown.

For now, Morocco remains hopeful that Pitarch could reconsider his options, but with Spain preparing to integrate him into their under-21 setup, the battle for the talented midfielder’s international future appears to be leaning firmly in La Roja’s favor.