Joel Bopesu, a Congolese defender, has officially parted ways with Lithuanian champions Vilnius Žalgiris following the conclusion of his contract on December 31, 2024.
The 29-year-old announced his departure in an emotional video shared on the club’s social media platforms.
“I come today to tell you how wonderful this season was for me,” Bopesu said. “We achieved all these things together and fought for our dreams.
I would like to sincerely thank you for everything, and I felt happy to play for this team with all the fans.
Now it is time for me to say goodbye and take another direction. I wish you the best for the future. Thank you again.”
Stellar Contributions
Bopesu’s departure comes after a standout season in which he delivered the best performances of his career.
Serving as team captain, the former Karpaty Lviv and FC Riga player was instrumental in the club’s success.
He scored seven goals and provided 17 assists across 41 appearances in all competitions, marking personal bests in both categories.
In the Lithuanian championship alone, Bopesu’s 14 assists made him the league’s third-best provider, showcasing his exceptional playmaking ability.
Over his tenure with Žalgiris, he amassed 159 appearances, scoring seven goals and contributing 28 assists.
A Leader On and Off the Pitch
Bopesu’s leadership as captain earned him immense respect from his teammates and supporters.
His dedication and consistency have been vital to Žalgiris’ dominance in Lithuanian football during his time at the club.
Although rumors of his departure had been circulating for several days, the confirmation still struck an emotional chord with fans.
Bopesu’s absence from the squad during the team’s preseason preparations hinted at the move, but his farewell message solidified the end of an era for both player and club.
Next Steps
At 29, Bopesu now looks ahead to the next chapter of his career. While his future destination remains undisclosed, his remarkable achievements at Žalgiris will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.
The club, which benefited immensely from his contributions, will now focus on finding a suitable replacement to maintain its competitive edge.
Joel Bopesu leaves Vilnius Žalgiris not just as a player but as a leader who embodied the team’s spirit, leaving behind memories of a career-defining stint in Lithuanian football.
