by Mantas Aliukonis
Riteriai winger Andrius Kaulinis has enjoyed a breakout season in Lithuania’s A Lyga, highlighted by a memorable double against champions FK Žalgiris. But his path to the top has been anything but straightforward. In an interview with Baltic Football News, the 24-year-old reflects on his slow development, the setbacks he overcame, and the lessons he learned along the way.
Early steps and late development
Kaulinis began his journey at the Polonia Academy in Vilnius, after being spotted at a youth tournament. He then joined the Žalgiris academy with the year of 2000 group. “Through that time I had many coaches who helped me, not just in football but in life,” he recalls. “The ones I worked with most were Gediminas Kontautas and Haroldas Tamulynas, but also Žydrūnas Grudzinskas, Ramūnas Radavičius and Vaidas Sabaliauskas. Each of them taught me something.”
He admits that breaking into Lithuania’s youth national teams never happened for him.
“I wasn’t outstanding in my teenage years. I developed late, and that cost me. But the best quality I took with me was character. Even when people said I wasn’t good enough, I had goals and I kept going step by step.”
Finding his feet at Viltis
A crucial turning point was a spell with FK Viltis, which Kaulinis calls his “launchpad.” “At Viltis I started to feel better, discovered my playing style and strengths, and with the help of a good collective I moved forward,” he says. “I couldn’t single out one person — everyone around me gave something.”
He also credits futsal for sharpening his skills and self-confidence.
In 2020, Kaulinis scored his first hat-trick for Viltis. “Those were warm memories,” he says with a smile. By 2022 he had joined Riteriai, debuting first in the Pirma lyga and then in the A Lyga. “That helped me keep developing, set bigger goals and establish myself in the first team.”
Career milestones
His double against FK Žalgiris this season remains his most important moment so far. “Right now those are my biggest goals, personally. But I feel there will be even more important ones this season, both for me and the team,” Kaulinis says.
He also recalls the 2024 Lithuanian Cup clash with Banga, where he scored but was later sent off. “I remember that game so well — the fire in everyone’s eyes. Most of our guys were facing an A Lyga team for the first time. It was a good fight, we showed it wasn’t easy for Banga but lack of experience cost us. For me personally it was a lesson.”
Dealing with pressure
The winger admits his form has fluctuated this season. “There are many factors, but every athlete needs to leave problems off the pitch. Now I feel good and I hope to show it by the end of the season. These challenges only toughen you up and teach you how to deal with setbacks.”
On life after matches, Kaulinis adds: “It’s always hard to sleep. You replay the game in your head, think what you could have done better. I try to keep a healthy sleep routine, but the night after games is always tricky.”
The importance of agents
Kaulinis only recently started working with an agent, having resisted earlier approaches. “I first had contact with agents a couple of years ago, but I knew from older teammates you have to be careful. Many agents look after themselves, not the players. Until this season I didn’t have one. Now I’m represented by an agency from Poland, an agent I trust. That’s the most important thing.”
He believes an agent is essential for modern footballers. “Contracts these days are complicated. A good agent explains everything, makes changes if needed, and helps you avoid mistakes. That’s just one of many benefits.”
Looking ahead
With his contract at Riteriai expiring in December and the club’s future uncertain, Kaulinis is focused only on the present. “We still have a lot of unfinished business this season. Sunday’s game, then the next one. After the last match of the season I’ll start thinking about the future. For now, I’m doing what I need to do.”
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