Yassine Bounou throws Morocco’s door open to Thiago Pitarch

Morocco’s push to secure one of Europe’s brightest emerging midfielders has gathered fresh momentum after Yassine Bounou publicly extended a warm invitation to Thiago Pitarch, underscoring the Atlas Lions’ determination to win a growing tug-of-war over the teenager’s international allegiance.

The 18-year-old, who has surged into prominence with Real Madrid in recent months, now finds himself at the centre of a delicate decision between two footballing identities.

Pitarch’s rapid rise in Madrid has not gone unnoticed beyond club football. Having already featured for Spain national football team at youth level, the midfielder remains eligible to represent Morocco national football team through family ties, placing him firmly on the radar of both federations.

Morocco, in particular, have intensified efforts to persuade him to switch, hoping to replicate the successful recruitment of dual-nationality talents such as Brahim Diaz.

In that context, Bounou’s remarks reflect both encouragement and a broader message of inclusion from the Moroccan camp.

“Let him know that we are always going to welcome him here with open arms. He has family here and also in Spain. He will do what he really feels.

“Every player who has a relationship with Morocco… they are welcome – and even more so if he is a Real Madrid player.”

Despite Morocco’s advances, indications from Spain suggest that Pitarch’s immediate international future may already be leaning in another direction.

Head coach Luis de la Fuente recently expressed confidence that the teenager remains committed to La Roja’s long-term project, a stance reinforced by subsequent confirmations surrounding the player’s intentions.

Spain’s depth in midfield had been viewed as a potential opening for Morocco to exploit, with competition for places at senior level particularly fierce.

However, Pitarch appears undeterred by the challenge, prioritising continuity within Spain’s system as he continues his development at club level.

While a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup may arrive too soon in his trajectory, his current progress suggests that opportunities on the international stage are only a matter of time.