FK Žalgiris

FK Žalgiris, often shortened to Žalgiris or Žalgiris Vilnius, is a Lithuanian professional football club based in the capital city. They play in the TOPLYGA, the top division of Lithuanian football, and have a rich history that dates back to 1947, when the club was founded under the name Dinamo. The current name honors the Battle of Žalgiris, also known as the Battle of Grunwald, a pivotal medieval conflict. Over the decades, Žalgiris has been home to some of the country's finest players, including Arminas Narbekovas, Valdas Ivanauskas, Edgaras Jankauskas, and Deividas Šemberas. Their trophy cabinet boasts 10 Lithuanian league titles, 14 Lithuanian Cups, and 7 Lithuanian Supercups, making them one of the most decorated clubs in the nation.

The club made history in the 2022–23 season by becoming the first Lithuanian side to reach the group stage of a UEFA competition. After defeating Malmö FF in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, they lost in the Europa League playoffs but secured a spot in the Europa Conference League group stage. Though they finished bottom of their group with five points, the achievement marked a significant milestone for Lithuanian club football. With a passionate fanbase and a reputation for developing local talent, Žalgiris remains a cornerstone of the sport in the Baltics. [edit]

Founded in 1947 as Dinamo, the club adopted the name Žalgiris in 1948, referencing the 1410 Battle of Žalgiris. During the Soviet era, Žalgiris competed in the Soviet top league, famously finishing third in 1987 and reaching the Soviet Cup final in 1988. After Lithuania regained independence, the club became a dominant force domestically, winning multiple league titles and cups. The 2022–23 season stands out as a watershed: they became the first Lithuanian club to reach a UEFA group stage, competing in the Europa Conference League. More recently, in the 2026–27 Conference League qualifiers, they suffered a 3-0 loss to Dinamo Tbilisi in the first leg, yet they have shown resilience in domestic play, such as a 3-2 victory over FC Hegelmann in July 2026. [edit]