By Titas Teiten
Defense is perhaps the least celebrated position in world football, yet it may well be the most decisive. As countless football enthusiasts have observed, titles are built on defensive solidity, a principle that has rarely been reflected in Lithuanian football. For a nation often forced to withstand pressure against stronger opponents, defensive organization is not merely important. It is essential. Encouragingly, the future of defending in Lithuania shows promise, though it remains largely uncharted.
Following our review of the goalkeeper position in Lithuania’s national team looking ahead to 2030, Baltic Football News now turns its attention to another crucial role at the heart of the back line: the centre-back.
Before we reveal the number 10 spot, let’s first highlight the honorable mentions: Matas Klimas (Brentford, England), Lukas Klišys (Genoa, Italy), Armandas Raudonis (IFK Värnamo, Sweden), and Tomas Jonyla (West Ham, England). Wishing all of them the very best.
10. Domas Slendzoka
- Date of Birth: 22/02/2004
- Age in 2030: 26
- Current Club: FC Hegelmann, A lyga.
- Why him? After establishing himself as a standout performer with Lithuanian second-division side FK BE1, Domas Slendzoka caught the attention of one of the country’s top clubs, FC Hegelmann, signing a contract in February 2025. Since then, he has carved out a small but promising role in a squad that went on to finish second in the A Lyga. On the international stage, Slendzoka is already an experienced member of Lithuania’s U-21 national team, even captaining the side against opponents such as the Netherlands, Croatia, and Türkiye. While his future at Hegelmann remains officially unclear, the 2026 season could prove decisive if he stays: following key departures and a reduced budget, young players like Slendzoka are expected to feature more prominently.
- In a few words: Still very young, his experience at youth international level and the prospect of a promising 2026 season could generate growing interest in his future career.
9. Motiejus Šapola
- Date of Birth: 19/04/2006
- Age in 2030: 24
- Current Club: Siracusa Calcio, Italy.
- Why him? Like Domas Slendzoka, Motiejus Šapola is an experienced footballer at international youth level. The 19-year-old centre-back has represented Lithuania across nearly every youth category and is currently a member of the U21 national team. At club level, Šapola has spent almost three years developing within the Italian football system. He left Žalgiris Vilnius in February 2023 to join Pisa, where he continued his progression with the U-17 and U-19 squads. In August 2025, he took a significant step forward by signing on loan for Siracusa, a club competing in Italy’s third division. There, Motiejus is earning valuable game time and gaining his first experience at professional level. With his steady development, a well-deserved move back up the ladder could be on the horizon next season with Pisa, in Serie B, or even Serie A.
- In a few words: A highly talented prospect gaining valuable experience in Italy, steadily moving closer to a place in Lithuania’s national team ahead of the 2030 objective.
8. Kipras Kažukolovas
- Date of Birth: 20/11/2000
- Age in 2030: 30
- Current Club: FC Astana, Kazakhstan.
- Why him? As of today, Kipras Kažukolovas is regarded as one of the most talented Lithuanian footballers in his position. The only reason he is ranked eighth is due to his ongoing injury concerns. Kažukolovas has a history of setbacks, and in August he suffered a serious blow by tearing his ACL, before undergoing a knee ligament surgery in September. As a result, the timeline for the Astana defender’s return remains uncertain, both in terms of when he will come back and the level at which he will return. While the entire Lithuanian football community hopes he will make a strong recovery and return even better than before, it is only natural that some doubts persist. Nevertheless, his quality is undeniable, and if Kažukolovas manages to recover fully, his presence in the Lithuanian national team by 2030 is almost guaranteed.
- In a few words: Injury-plagued but undeniably talented, a player whose potential makes him a clear fixture in the national team’s future.
7. Dovydas Sasnauskas
- Date of Birth: 16/02/2007
- Age in 2030: 23
- Current Club: Sheffield United, England.
- Why him? Like several young Lithuanian footballers developing abroad, Dovydas Sasnauskas has grown, and continues to evolve, in what is arguably the most football-centric country in the world: England. After progressing through the Chelsea academy, Sasnauskas moved to Sheffield in 2023. He made his first-team debut earlier this season in an EFL Cup match, and following an injury setback, he is now gradually returning to action with the U-21 side. At international level, Sasnauskas is already a seasoned youth international, having represented Lithuania at every age group from U-16 to U-21. If he can regain full fitness, the coming year could perhaps mark his debut for the senior national team.
- In a few words: The environment in which Sasnauskas is evolving is significantly better to what most Lithuanian youngsters live with: if he’s injury-free, the centre-back can become a crucial part of Lithuania’s future back-line.
6. Jokūbas Mažionis
- Date of Birth: 23/06/2006
- Age in 2030: 24
- Current Club: Ipswich Town, England.
- Why him? Like Sasnauskas, Jokūbas Mažionis has grown up and continues to develop as a footballer in England. Currently on the books at Ipswich Town, Jokūbas has just returned from a loan spell at Cheltenham, competing in England’s fourth division. Prior to his injury, Mažionis had already impressed during a previous loan at National League side Woking last season and went on to establish himself as a solid defender and a promising centre-back at Cheltenham. Unfortunately, a foot injury sustained in September prevented him from fully showcasing his potential, sidelining him for the remainder of 2025. Nevertheless, Mažionis is now on the road to recovery, and another loan move would likely be the logical next step in his development. Standing at an imposing 199 cm and comfortable in possession, he is an intriguing prospect for Lithuanian football. A recent member of Lithuania’s U-21 national team, Mažionis will be eager to make a strong name for himself at senior level, and with consistent performances after his return, a national team debut may not be far away.
- In a few words: His playing style and physical attributes make him a highly intriguing prospect: the coming years will be decisive in earning the attention of the senior national team coach.
5. Nojus Audinis
- Date of Birth: 15/02/2006
- Age in 2030: 24
- Current Club: FK Teplice, Czech Republic.
- Why him? At just 19 years old, Nojus Audinis has already established himself as a regular starting centre-back in the Czech first division, currently ranked 10th among Europe’s top domestic competitions according to UEFA coefficients. In the last 11 Chance Liga matches, Audinis has completed the full 90 minutes on nine occasions. Overall this season, he has made 18 official appearances for Teplice, contributing one goal and one assist. His consistency extends to the international stage as well, with more than 20 appearances for Lithuania’s U-19 side and additional caps at U-21 level. If there is any centre-back who can realistically expect a call-up to the senior national team this year, it is undoubtedly Nojus Audinis.
- In a few words: If Audinis maintains his current level and continues to improve month by month, as he already has, his involvement with the men’s national team in 2026, and well beyond into 2030, seems almost inevitable.
4. Edgaras Utkus
- Date of Birth: 22/06/2000
- Age in 2030: 30
- Current Club: Cercle Brugge, Belgium.
- Why him? At just 25 years old, with much of his career still ahead of him, Edgaras Utkus has established himself over time as a dependable presence in the Lithuanian defence. While his career has included its share of ups and downs, and some fans may have expected even greater development by this stage, the reality is that he remains one of, if not the most important centre-backs for the Lithuanian national team. With over 20 international caps and substantial experience abroad, Utkus brings a strong résumé: formative years in AS Monaco’s academy, multiple seasons in Belgium’s top division, and appearances in the UEFA Conference League. These credentials make a compelling case for his continued role with the national team, potentially extending well into the 2030 cycle.
- In a few words: A reliable defender whose young career already includes valuable international and top-level club experience.
3. Vilius Armalas
- Date of Birth: 21/07/2000
- Age in 2030: 30
- Current Club: MTK Budapest, Hungary.
- Why him? If there were an award for Lithuania’s standout footballer of 2025, Vilius Armalas would be a strong and deserving candidate. After developing with Benfica’s U-23 side and later seeking opportunities in Greece, Armalas initially struggled to fully establish himself abroad. However, the centre-back enjoyed a breakthrough season with FC Hegelmann, Lithuania’s second-best team, delivering consistently impressive performances that earned him a place in the starting XI of the Lithuanian men’s national team. His rise did not go unnoticed. At 25 years old, Armalas attracted interest from several foreign clubs, with Hungarian top-flight side MTK Budapest ultimately securing his signature. While 2026 will undoubtedly present new challenges, his remarkable progress throughout 2025 has injected real optimism into his career trajectory. As a result, his continued involvement with Lithuania’s national team, potentially even through the 2030 cycle, now appears increasingly realistic.
- In a few words: His positive development is clear, and now it is up to him to potentially become Lithuania’s leading centre-back.
2. Artemijus Tutyškinas
- Date of Birth: 08/08/2003
- Age in 2030: 27
- Current Club: NK Celje, Slovenia.
- Why him? At just 22 years old, Artemijus Tutyškinas has already established himself as an indispensable figure in the Lithuanian national team. He made his international debut in 2021, playing six minutes against none other than Italy. Four years later, he is arguably Lithuania’s best player in his position. After spells in Italy and Poland that did not fully meet expectations, Tutyškinas signed with Slovenian side NK Celje at the beginning of 2025. The move proved decisive. In his first season, the young centre-back helped Celje lift the national cup, and in his second campaign he has become a cornerstone of the team’s defence. NK Celje currently sit top of the Slovenian league and have progressed to the Conference League round of 16. In short, the future looks bright for Tutyškinas. His growing importance for both NK Celje and the Lithuanian national team makes him one of the most intriguing centre-backs to watch as Lithuania builds toward the 2030 international cycle.
- In a few words: A dominant centre-back today, and potentially a defining figure for Lithuanian football in the years ahead.
1. Airidas Golambeckis
- Date of Birth: 04/11/2007
- Age in 2030: 23
- Current Club: West Ham, England.
- Why him? Although Airidas Golambeckis initially represented Lithuania at U-16 level, he was later called up by England’s U-18 and subsequently U-19 sides, where he has already accumulated more than 15 caps. Here lies the twist: Golambeckis may simply be out of Lithuania’s reach for the senior national team. Born and raised in England, the 18-year-old centre-back is eligible to represent the Three Lions and appears increasingly likely to do so. A product of West Ham United’s academy, he is currently the captain of the club’s U-21 team. More impressively, he has already been called up to the first team. While he is yet to make his senior debut, his first Premier League minutes may not be far away. For Lithuania, an 18-year-old already involved in Premier League matchdays would be a dream scenario: one that could likely earn him an immediate senior call-up if he were available. The reality, however, is that Golambeckis seems intent on continuing his development within England’s national team setup, and he clearly has the talent to justify that path. Still, Lithuania would be wise to keep a close eye on his situation. Breaking into England’s senior national team is notoriously difficult, and footballing paths can change quickly.
- In a few words: The chances of seeing him represent Lithuania are slim, but if an opportunity arises, they should seize it without hesitation.
