 |
Arminas NarbekovasFormer Soviet and Lithuanian footballer, striker and midfielder.
Date of Birth: 28.01.1965
Country:  Lithuania |
Content:
- Arminas Narbekovas: A Lithuanian and Soviet Football Star
- Rise to Prominence
- Olympic Glory and Departure from Lithuania
- Austrian Success
- Later Career and Return to Lithuania
- Presidency and Coaching
- Recognition and Legacy
- Achievements
Arminas Narbekovas: A Lithuanian and Soviet Football Star
Early Life and CareerBorn in Gargždai, Lithuania, in 1965, Arminas Narbekovas began his football journey in youth tournaments. In 1977, he joined the sports boarding school in Panevėžys under the guidance of coach Vytautas Blinstrubas.
Rise to Prominence
In 1983, Narbekovas caught the attention of Žalgiris Vilnius' head coach, Benjaminas Zelkevičius. He joined the top Lithuanian club and quickly became a regular starter. In 1987, he finished as the league's second-highest scorer with 16 goals, helping Žalgiris win the bronze medal in the Soviet Championship. His performance earned him the Master of Sports of International Class title.
Olympic Glory and Departure from Lithuania
Narbekovas represented the Soviet Union at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. He played in all six matches, scoring two goals and securing an Olympic gold medal. With the independence of Lithuania in the early 1990s, Narbekovas briefly played in the Lithuanian and Baltic leagues. However, seeking higher competition, he returned to the Soviet Union with Lokomotiv Moscow.
Austrian Success
In 1990, Narbekovas accepted an offer from Austria Wien, where he had played against as a member of Žalgiris in the UEFA Cup. He spent the next seven seasons with the club, winning the Austrian Bundesliga title three times (1991, 1992, 1993) and the Austrian Cup twice (1992, 1994). He also participated in the UEFA Champions League, making 17 appearances and scoring two goals in European competitions.
Later Career and Return to Lithuania
Narbekovas continued his career in various Austrian clubs, primarily at the amateur level. He was named Player of the Year for the Austrian Regional League while playing for Wiener Sport-Club. He retired in 2004 and returned to Lithuania two years later.
Presidency and Coaching
In 2006, Narbekovas became president of Žalgiris Vilnius. He later replaced the head coach in October but was dismissed a year later due to unsatisfactory results.
Recognition and Legacy
In 2003, Narbekovas was voted the Best Lithuanian Footballer of the Past 50 Years by the Lithuanian Football Federation.
Achievements
Olympic Gold Medal (1988)Bronze Medal in Soviet Championship (1987)
Austrian Bundesliga Champion (1990/91, 1991/92, 1992/93)
Austrian Cup Winner (1991/92, 1993/94)
Listed among the top 33 Soviet footballers: 1987 (No. 2), 1988 (No. 3)
