After two intense and unforgettable seasons, one of FC Hegelmann’s standout players, Leo Ribeiro, is leaving the Kaunas District club.
The Brazilian midfielder joined the blue-and-white side at the start of 2024, already well known to Lithuanian football fans thanks to his successful 2021 season with Telšiai’s Džiugas. Arriving in Kaunas District, Ribeiro didn’t hide his ambitions: “I always wanted to wear this club’s shirt. I can see the team is well-balanced and ready to fight for the highest goals,” he said at the time.
Over his two seasons with the club, Ribeiro played a total of 82 official matches, scoring 13 goals and providing an impressive 17 assists.
In the 2024 A Lyga campaign, he made 35 appearances, netting 5 goals and delivering 3 assists. He also featured in five LFF Cup matches, adding one more assist.
The 2025 A Lyga season saw Ribeiro shine as one of the team’s brightest performers. Across 36 league matches, he scored 7 goals and produced an outstanding 13 assists. In the LFF Cup, he made four appearances and added one goal.
During his time at FC Hegelmann, Ribeiro was twice named A Lyga Player of the Month, once in each of the 2024 and 2025 seasons. His contribution played a vital role in helping the team secure back-to-back A Lyga silver medals and reach two consecutive LFF Cup finals.
Reflecting on his departure, Ribeiro shared an emotional message:
“I thought of many ways to begin this message in a way that would show all the respect and love I have for the club that was so welcoming to me and my family. But every story has an ending, and now it’s time to say thank you.
It has been two seasons, two years of hard work and learning, two cup finals, two league silver medals, plenty of battles, joy, and difficult moments. This stage of my life was intense and special for everyone who was by my side.
Today my time at the club comes to an end, and I want to sincerely thank everyone: coaches, management, and the fans who supported us in every situation. Know that the blue and white will always have my respect and love.”
The club thanks Leo Ribeiro for his dedication and contributions during his time in Kaunas District and wishes him the very best in the next chapter of his career.
It remains unclear where the Brazilian midfielder will continue his career. It is also worth noting that shortly before his departure, another key figure left the club: sporting director Giedrius Klevinskas, who has since joined Žalgiris Vilnius.
Source: https://fchegelmann.com/melynai-baltus-palieka-vienas-ryskiausiu-pastaruju-sezonu-zaideju-leo-ribeiro/
