Lithuanian football has lost one of its respected figures. Stasys Baranauskas, a former national team player and coach, has passed away at the age of 63, leaving behind a rich sporting legacy and a deep impact on the country’s football community.
Baranauskas began his football journey at the Panevėžys Sports School, later representing the city’s senior team and earning a place in the Lithuanian youth national squad. His talent and discipline soon carried him to the highest levels of the game.
A native of Kaunas, he spent nine seasons with the legendary FK Žalgiris Vilnius, becoming an integral part of one of the club’s most successful eras. In 1987, he helped the team win the World Universiade and secure bronze medals in the Soviet Top League. During his time with Žalgiris, Baranauskas made 253 official appearances and scored 41 goals. He also represented the Lithuanian national team on 14 occasions.
His career extended beyond Lithuania’s borders. Baranauskas played in Israel, where he won the national cup, and later continued his career in Austria, spending several seasons there before returning home. Back in Lithuania, he represented the clubs of Panevėžys and Šiauliai, winning the Lithuanian championship with Šiauliai and further cementing his status as one of the country’s accomplished footballers.
Stasys Baranauskas will be remembered not only for his achievements on the pitch, but also for his contribution to the development of Lithuanian football as a player and coach.
On behalf of the football community, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Stasys Baranauskas.
Source: https://www.lff.lt/netekome-legendinio-futbolininko-s-baranausko/
