By Titas Teiten
At 32 years old, Fabien Ourega has built a footballing résumé that spans more than just leagues and countries. From the highly competitive lower divisions of French football to historic moments in Lithuania and challenges in Kazakhstan, Ourega has never followed the obvious path.
After a standout season with Žalgiris Vilnius in 2022, where he lifted both the domestic league and cup, and made history by helping the club reach the group stages of European competition, the French winger made a bold move to FC Astana in Kazakhstan. Now back in Lithuania, this time with Žalgiris Kaunas, Ourega is once again chasing silverware, proving that he remains a key figure on and off the pitch.
On July 20th, we sat down with Fabien Ourega to discuss his unique journey: from the highs and lows of his career, to the truth behind his controversial exit from Vilnius, and why Kaunas might just feel like home.
Early career
Before moving to Lithuania, you spent most of your time in France, playing across nearly every division except Ligue 1. You also had a brief stint in Belgium. How do you reflect on that period?
It was a pleasure to play in those leagues. Of course, it’s a shame I never made it to Ligue 1, but overall, the experience was really positive. Football in France is different from what I later discovered abroad, it’s more competitive in general. On a personal level, I could have done better back then, but overall, I really enjoyed it.
My time in Belgium, though, wasn’t great. I left after four months. I didn’t like the club, the city, nor the general environment. Plus, I had just become a father, and I couldn’t see myself settling there.
Do you have a favorite club or memory from your time in France?
That’s tough. I’ve got good memories from a few clubs, but I’d say Paris FC stands out. I’m from Paris, so playing in front of my family and friends at home games meant a lot. It was a fantastic season, we made it to the promotion playoffs for Ligue 1.
That 2018/2019 season with Paris FC, where you finished fourth in Ligue 2, would you say missing out on promotion is one of your biggest frustrations?
Definitely. That playoff match against Lens was within our reach. Even back then, Lens were a top team, but we were playing at home and had everything going for us. We ended up losing on penalties, and you know how that goes – penalties are a lottery.
The move to Lithuania
In early 2022, you joined Žalgiris Vilnius. Had you ever heard of the club before? How did the transfer come about?
Honestly, I hadn’t heard of them. At the time, I was at Orléans, and an agent brought up the opportunity. He suggested I speak to Joël Bopesu, who was already at the club. After talking with Joël, I got a better understanding of the club’s mentality and project. I was playing in France’s third division then, and I thought: if I want more, I need to take the leap.
The agent sent videos to Žalgiris’ staff, and they came back with an offer. After that, it all happened pretty quickly.
What were your first impressions when you arrived in Vilnius? Any surprises?
I didn’t expect the club to be of such high quality, honestly. But I was very well received. The group was solid, veterans like Saulius Mikoliūnas and Mantas Kuklys made it easy to settle. Culturally, the transition was smooth. The only shock was the cold: snow everywhere. I didn’t even know there were indoor pitches here!
That season turned out to be historic: you won the league and cup and qualified for the Europa Conference League group stage, the first time in Lithuanian football history. Would you say it was the best season of your career?
Individually, absolutely. When you move abroad, you have to prove you’re an asset. That season, we all pushed each other to be better. We finished the league 21 points ahead of second place, won the cup, and reached the European group stages after clearing two rounds of Champions League qualifiers. So yes, it was the best season of my career so far.
What do you think made that season so special? The team’s mentality? Coaching? Chemistry?
I’d say it was a mix of everything. We had players like Oliver Buff, Renan Oliveira, and myself, guys with something to prove. We shared a common drive. With experienced players already at the club, the balance was perfect. Our squad depth was impressive too: many bench players could’ve been starters. That competition lifted everyone’s level.
Departure to Kazakhstan
At the start of 2023, after a great season, you left Žalgiris for Astana. How did that move come about? It seemed sudden from the outside.
It seemed sudden in the media, but the talks had already started when we went to Turkey for preseason. I was already in discussions with Astana. However, Žalgiris president Vilma Venslovaitienė was adamant about not letting me go. The negotiations dragged on for over a month. Astana kept improving their offer, adding bonuses. Eventually, Vilma accepted, and I made it clear I wanted a new challenge. Not because I disliked the club, but because we had won everything. I needed something new.
Astana is a big club, and at 30, it felt like the right time. Plus, Žalgiris got a transfer fee, so it was a win-win situation.
After your departure, Lithuanian media reported that Vilma was furious. Did things end badly?
Unfortunately, yes. People in Lithuanian football know how she is. After I left, she refused offers for Mathias Oyewusi because losing both of us was unthinkable to her. But yes, Vilma is… a complex person. I think sometimes, as a woman in football, you feel the need to assert yourself more, and that can backfire. It’s a shame things ended poorly, because I had no issues with the club itself.
Was it just between you and her?
Yes, just between us. When I left, she even tried to include a clause banning me from returning to Lithuania until 2026. That turned out to be illegal. But with the rest of the club, I had no problems.
Žalgiris Vilnius have been struggling this season, and many fans blame Vilma and coach Vladimir Cheburin. You’ve worked under Cheburin, how do you rate him?
He’s a good coach, no doubt. Communication was tough since he doesn’t speak English. Everything had to be translated by assistants or teammates. He has strong ideas, and if he has the right players, it can work. You can’t deny his record, he’s won a lot, and numbers don’t lie. Personally, we never had deep conversations, but there was mutual respect.
Do you think the communication barrier ever limited the team’s potential?
Not really. We had experienced players who could make decisions on the pitch. A coach can give instructions, but ultimately, it’s the players who execute and adapt. That season, we had the right group to overcome any obstacle.
A new challenge in Kazakhstan
At Astana, your former teammate Kipras Kažukolovas joined you a year later. How was the project presented to you?
They made me a priority because they had lost a player in my position. They told me I’d play either as a No. 10 or winger, as a starter. Astana hadn’t qualified for Europe in two years, so the main goal was to get back there, even if it meant sacrificing league results. We did qualify for the Conference League, which was my second year in a row playing European group stages. That’s why I signed, to keep playing at that level and gain exposure.
Were you satisfied with your time in Kazakhstan?
It’s a mixed feeling. The first season was great. But the second was tough. Results were nowhere near what they had been: we lost four or five of our first ten matches. I had a small injury, came back, but struggled to find form. Then there was an issue with the club president over salary delays of 2–3 months. Eventually, they told me they wanted to part ways due to my wages and recent form. It was more about finances than football. We agreed to terminate the contract in August.
So the first and second seasons were like night and day?
Absolutely. One factor was we had to relocate due to stadium renovations. We were playing in another city, new apartments, no home ground: it felt like every “home” game was actually away.
Back to Lithuania, this time in Kaunas
After Astana, you became a free agent, and a few months later signed with Žalgiris Kaunas. How did the return to Lithuania come about?
It wasn’t random. While I was in Dubai training as a free agent, I was already talking to Eivinas Černiauskas, now head coach of Kaunas. I know him well from his time as an assistant at Žalgiris Vilnius. We stayed in touch. Once he took over as head coach, he explained his project and vision. He’s someone I trust. Back in Vilnius, I spoke with him more than with Cheburin because he speaks English. So the connection was natural.
Now that you’ve played quite a few games, how would you compare the league now to your first stint in Lithuania?
I think it’s more balanced now. The table is tight. Even though we’re top, there are still several teams in contention: Hegelmann, Sūduva, Šiauliai, even Žalgiris Vilnius. Back then, we kind of knew we’d be champions. This time, we have to stay focused all the way.
Kaunas has been close to the title for a few years now. Does this feel like the season?
Honestly, yes. We have everything we need. The club is doing everything possible to put us in the best conditions, supporting the squad, the staff, everything. We’ve grown into a real family, and it shows on the pitch.
Kaunas is known for its basketball obsession, with the city’s top team being Žalgiris Kaunas. Do you ever feel like the football side is second priority?
It’s understandable. Basketball is king here, and their team is very successful. But it’s all about results: win more games, qualify for Europe, and naturally more fans will come. In a country that doesn’t live and breathe football, results are everything.
Your club president, Mantas Kalnietis, is a former Lithuanian basketball star. What role does he play?
He’s very involved: at training, in the dressing room, even traveling with us for away games. That level of commitment means a lot to us.
Looking ahead
You just advanced to the second round of Conference League qualifying and will face Icelandic side Valur. Are the group stages already on your mind?
We’re still far from that, but as a player, of course I think about it. I’ve played in the group stages before, so that goal is in the back of my mind. Every European match is tough, just look at our tie with Penybont FC. We won 3-0 in the first leg but drew 1-1 in the second. There are no easy games in Europe.
Your coach, Černiauskas, is in his first season as head coach but was previously Cheburin’s assistant. How would you describe him?
He’s a young coach with a modern mindset. He connects with the players, not just about football, but life as well. His management is excellent, and that’s crucial, especially with players coming from abroad. The staff is young, they all speak English, and they make sure we feel comfortable. We want to make his first year a success.
Would you say he’s similar to Cheburin or totally different?
They worked together, yes, but they’re very different. Černiauskas has his own ideas, and tactically, it’s not the same at all. What he’s doing now is working really well.
Your contract ends after this season. Would you consider staying another year in Kaunas?
Yes, I would. In football, things move fast, so it’s hard to say for sure. It’ll depend on how the season finishes, the conditions, and my health. But I’m very happy here with the staff, the team, everything. If you asked me today, I’d say yes.
And how’s life in Kaunas treating you?
It’s calmer than Vilnius, but overall, I’m settling in well and things are going great.
A big thank you to Fabien Ourega for his time, honesty, and insight. We wish him continued success for the rest of the season and beyond.
