On the first day of Christmas, FC Hegelmann delivered an unexpected holiday gift to their supporters by announcing the return of club legend and former captain Vilius Armanavičius.
The Kaunas district club confirmed the comeback via social media, revealing that the 30-year-old midfielder is officially returning after nearly three years away. Armanavičius originally left FC Hegelmann in January 2023 and went on to have a brief spell with Kazakh side Kaspiy Aktau, before joining FK Kauno Žalgiris. During his three seasons there, he achieved notable success, including winning the Lithuanian championship in 2025.
Announcing the move, FC Hegelmann wrote on social media:
“After a three-season break, the captain returns to FC Hegelmann: Vilius Armanavičius.
He returns to the place where he already left his mark.
He returns home.This return is more than just a squad addition.
It’s continuity, a symbol, and trust in what we are building.Welcome back, Captain 💙🤍
Merry Christmas, blue-and-white community.”
Armanavičius’ return comes at a challenging moment for FC Hegelmann. The club is currently experiencing one of its most difficult periods in recent years, following a significant budget reduction by the club’s owner. As a result, expectations for the upcoming season have shifted toward a mid-table finish, rather than competing for European qualification or the league title.
The off-season has already seen a major exodus of key figures. FC Hegelmann have parted ways with several important players, including Domantas Antanavičius (FK Sūduva Marijampolė), Vincentas Šarkauskas (FK Žalgiris Vilnius), Vilius Armalas (MTK Budapest), Nikola Djorić, Klaudijus Upstas (FK Žalgiris Vilnius), and Leo Ribeiro (FK Kauno Žalgiris). Head coach Andrius Skerla has also departed.
So far, Armanavičius is only the club’s second new arrival of the off-season, following the signing of goalkeeper Lukas Paukštė from FA Šiauliai.
