In Scotland - a historic chance for the 'Hearts' team that hasn't forgotten M. Žaliūkas

2025-10-31 21:40 © IMAGO/Alex Todd

In Scotland, this season an extraordinary story may unfold. A story that would warm the hearts of ordinary Lithuanian football fans.

The legendary Lithuanian national team defender Marius Zaliukas' beloved "Hearts" is currently leading the Scottish Premier League after 10 rounds with a fairly confident advantage. They have built a 6-point lead over their closest pursuers, "Celtic," which could have been larger had they managed to overcome "St. Mirren" in the last round (2:2).

This situation in Scotland occurred when both countries' football giants, "Rangers" and "Celtic," began their seasons struggling, eventually parting ways with their coaches.

"Rangers" dismissed their coach Russell Martin, while Brendan Rodgers voluntarily left "Celtic." The Northern Irishman had his second tenure at the Glasgow club, which ended unsuccessfully.

There are still 28 rounds left in the season, but a good start is half the battle.

It is worth mentioning that this summer, "Brighton" and the Belgian club "Union" owner Tony Bloom invested £9.86 million in "Hearts," buying 29% of the club's shares, so everything is being managed by very reliable and wise hands.

"Heart of Midlothian" (full name) is playing its fifth season since returning to the highest Scottish football league, as they previously experienced a stint at a lower level.

This Edinburgh club last became Scottish champions in the 1959-60 season, and the last time they were among the top two was 20 years ago, so the first steps towards history have been taken.

And finally – respect to Marius Zaliukas. He, unfortunately, left our world five years ago on this date, October 31, but the "Hearts" club and its fans will never forget this legend. The former team captain lifted the Scottish Cup trophy in 2011, which was the first for this team in 6 years.

On October 31, "Hearts," as usual, thanked the club legend on social media. We are thankful as well.

Let’s not forget that this club is also one that was once run by an interesting character, the well-known "businessman" in Lithuania, Vladimir Romanov. It featured Lithuanian players like Edgaras Jankauskas, Deividas Česnauskis, Andrius Velička, Arvydas Novikovas, Saulius Mikoliūnas, and was coached by Valdas Ivanauskas in 2006-07.

Remembering Marius Zaliukas.

Forever in our Hearts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qaiV0c06nk

— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) October 31, 2025