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{{short description|Lithuanian association footballer}}
{{Short description|Lithuanian footballer (1983–2020)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
{{Infobox football biography
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| image_size = 250px
| image_size = 250px
| caption = Žaliūkas with [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]] in 2011
| caption = Žaliūkas with [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]] in 2011
| height = {{convert|1.90|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| height = 1.90 m
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1983|11|10}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|df=yes|1983|11|10}}
| birth_place = [[Kaunas]], [[Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic|Lithuanian SSR]], [[Soviet Union]]
| birth_place = [[Kaunas]], [[Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic|Lithuanian SSR]], [[Soviet Union]]
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| death_place = [[Kaunas]], [[Lithuania]]
| death_place = [[Kaunas]], [[Lithuania]]
| currentclub =
| currentclub =
| position = [[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|Centre back]]
| position = [[Centre back]]
| years1 = 2002–2004
| years1 = 2002–2004
| clubs1 = [[Inkaras Kaunas]]
| clubs1 = [[Inkaras Kaunas]]
Line 32: Line 32:
| years5 = 2007–2013
| years5 = 2007–2013
| clubs5 = [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]]
| clubs5 = [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]]
| caps5 = 158
| caps5 = 165
| goals5 = 9
| goals5 = 9
| years6 = 2013–2014
| years6 = 2013–2014
Line 40: Line 40:
| years7 = 2014–2015
| years7 = 2014–2015
| clubs7 = [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]
| clubs7 = [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]
| caps7 = 24
| caps7 = 19
| goals7 = 2
| goals7 = 2
| years8 = 2016
| years8 = 2016
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| caps8 = 11
| caps8 = 11
| goals8 = 1
| goals8 = 1
| totalcaps = 290
| totalcaps = 292
| totalgoals = 16
| totalgoals = 16
| nationalyears1 = 2004–2005
| nationalyears1 = 2004–2005
| nationalteam1 = [[Lithuania national under-21 football team|Lithuania U21]]
| nationalteam1 = [[Lithuania national under-21 football team|Lithuania U21]]
| nationalyears2 = 2005–2016
| nationalteam2 = [[Lithuania national football team|Lithuania]]
| nationalcaps1 = 10
| nationalcaps1 = 10
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2005–2016
| nationalteam2 = [[Lithuania national football team|Lithuania]]
| nationalcaps2 = 25
| nationalcaps2 = 25
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| nationalgoals2 = 1
| club-update = 20:59, 5 January 2014 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 10:47, 19 January 2013 (UTC)
}}
}}


'''Marius Žaliūkas''' (10 November 1983 – 31 October 2020) was a Lithuanian [[Association football|professional footballer]]. He played primarily as a [[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|centre back]], but also played as a [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]].<ref name=bbc31-10-20/><ref name=bbc-15-08-06/> Žaliūkas played for [[Inkaras Kaunas]], [[FBK Kaunas]], [[FK Šilutė]], [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]], [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]], [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] and [[FK Žalgiris|Žalgiris]] throughout his career, as well as the [[Lithuania national football team|Lithuania]] national side.
'''Marius Žaliūkas''' (10 November 1983{{spnd}}31 October 2020) was a Lithuanian [[Association football|professional footballer]] who played primarily as a [[centre back]], but also played as a [[defensive midfielder]].<ref name=bbc31-10-20/><ref name=bbc-15-08-06/>

Žaliūkas played in his homeland for [[Inkaras Kaunas]], [[FBK Kaunas]] and [[FK Šilutė]] before joining [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]] of the [[Scottish Premier League]] in 2006, initially on loan. He spent seven years there, playing 193 games and scoring 13 goals, and captaining the team to win the [[Scottish Cup]] in [[2012 Scottish Cup Final|2012]]. He then had spells in the [[EFL Championship|Football League Championship]] with [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] and the [[Scottish Championship]] with [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]], before retiring back to Lithuania with [[FK Žalgiris|Žalgiris]] in 2016.

At international level, Žaliūkas played 25 times for the [[Lithuania national football team|Lithuania national team]] between 2005 and 2016, scoring once. He died at the age of 36 from [[motor neuron disease]].


==Club career==
==Club career==
===Early career===
===Early career===
Žaliūkas started his career with [[Inkaras Kaunas]] before joining city rivals [[FBK Kaunas]] in 2004. He spent the 2004/05 season on loan to [[FK Šilutė]] before returning to Kaunas.<ref name=een31-10-20>{{cite news |last1=McPartlin |first1=Patrick |title=Marius Zaliukas, former Hearts captain and Rangers defender, dies at 36 |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/marius-zaliukas-former-hearts-captain-and-rangers-defender-dies-36-3021274 |accessdate=1 November 2020 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=31 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
Žaliūkas started his career with [[Inkaras Kaunas]] before joining city rivals [[FBK Kaunas]] in 2004. He spent the 2004/05 season on loan to [[FK Šilutė]] before returning to Kaunas.<ref name=een31-10-20>{{cite news |last1=McPartlin |first1=Patrick |title=Marius Zaliukas, former Hearts captain and Rangers defender, dies at 36 |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/marius-zaliukas-former-hearts-captain-and-rangers-defender-dies-36-3021274 |access-date=1 November 2020 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=31 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref>


===Heart of Midlothian===
===Heart of Midlothian===
Žaliūkas was loaned to Hearts from FBK Kaunas in August 2006.<ref name=bbc-15-08-06>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/4784961.stm Kaunas' Zaliukas signs for Hearts], [[BBC Sport]], 15 August 2006.</ref> He made his competitive debut for Hearts on 26 August 2006 in a 4–1 victory over [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Hearts 4-1 Inverness CT |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/5284746.stm |accessdate=1 November 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2006}}</ref> and scored his first goal for the [[Tynecastle Stadium|Tynecastle]] club in a 2–2 draw against [[St Mirren F.C.|St Mirren]] in December 2006.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maroon memories: St Mirren 2-2 Hearts, December 2, 2006 |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/latest-hearts-news/maroon-memories-st-mirren-2-2-hearts-december-2-2006-1617759 |accessdate=1 November 2020 |work=Edinburgh Evening NEws |date=14 July 2012 |language=en}}</ref>
Žaliūkas was loaned to Hearts from FBK Kaunas in August 2006.<ref name=bbc-15-08-06>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/4784961.stm Kaunas' Zaliukas signs for Hearts], [[BBC Sport]], 15 August 2006.</ref> He was one of many Lithuanians signed by owner [[Vladimir Romanov]], who also owned Kaunas.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hearts add to Lithuanian legion |url=https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/news/01bd-0f84a975b199-4708bb35e42e-1000--hearts-add-to-lithuanian-legion/ |access-date=19 February 2022 |publisher=UEFA |date=7 January 2007}}</ref> Žaliūkas made his competitive debut on 26 August in a 4–1 victory over [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Hearts 4-1 Inverness CT |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/5284746.stm |access-date=1 November 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=26 August 2006}}</ref> and scored his first goal for the [[Tynecastle Stadium|Tynecastle]] club to secure a 2–2 draw at [[St Mirren F.C.|St Mirren]] on 2 December.<ref>{{cite news |title=Maroon memories: St Mirren 2-2 Hearts, December 2, 2006 |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/latest-hearts-news/maroon-memories-st-mirren-2-2-hearts-december-2-2006-1617759 |access-date=1 November 2020 |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=14 July 2012}}</ref> His only other goal of the season came on 1 April 2007, the only goal in the 81st minute of an [[Edinburgh Derby]] win at [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lindsay |first1=Clive |title=Hibernian 0-1 Hearts |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/6508929.stm |access-date=19 February 2022 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 April 2007}}</ref>


Further to his impressive start to the 2008–09 season, it was reported by [[BBC Sport]] that major clubs in [[Moscow]] were willing to sign the defender.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7806267.stm Zaliukas considers Hearts future], [[BBC Sport]], 31 December 2008.</ref> Žaliūkas was sent off four times during the 2008–09 season, although one red card was later rescinded. The third of these dismissals came in a [[Scottish Cup]] tie against [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]], when he punched Falkirk's [[Carl Finnigan]] twice in the face. Manager [[Csaba László (footballer born 1964)|Csaba László]] reacted angrily to Žaliūkas, and told him that he needs to change his attitude.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7879715.stm Laszlo blast for banned Zaliukas], [[BBC Sport]], 10 February 2009.</ref> Two of the red cards came at Pittodrie against Aberdeen in separate matches. He ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Hearts, which ran until December 2010.<ref>[http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8041565.stm Zaliukas extends Tynecastle stay], [[BBC Sport]], 9 May 2009.</ref>
Further to his impressive start to the 2008–09 season, it was reported by [[BBC Sport]] that major clubs in [[Moscow]] were willing to sign the defender.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7806267.stm Zaliukas considers Hearts future], [[BBC Sport]], 31 December 2008.</ref> Žaliūkas was sent off four times during the 2008–09 season, although one red card was later rescinded. The third of these dismissals came in a [[Scottish Cup]] tie against [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]], when he punched Falkirk's [[Carl Finnigan]] twice in the face. Manager [[Csaba László (footballer born 1964)|Csaba László]] reacted angrily to Žaliūkas, and told him that he needs to change his attitude.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/7879715.stm Laszlo blast for banned Zaliukas], [[BBC Sport]], 10 February 2009.</ref> Two of the red cards came at Pittodrie against Aberdeen in separate matches. He ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Hearts, which ran until December 2010.<ref>[http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8041565.stm Zaliukas extends Tynecastle stay], [[BBC Sport]], 9 May 2009.</ref>


In July 2009, following the departures of captain [[Robbie Neilson]] and vice-captain [[Christos Karipidis]] to [[Leicester City]] and [[AC Omonia]] respectively, László named Žaliūkas as one of the candidates to take the [[club captain]]cy, along with midfielders [[Michael Stewart (footballer)|Michael Stewart]] and [[Laryea Kingston]]. László stated that despite Žaliūkas' poor disciplinary record, he would be willing to trust the defender with the responsibility of being a leader.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8140456.stm Hearts trio vying for captaincy], [[BBC Sport]], 8 July 2009.</ref> On 13 August 2009, Stewart was named club captain with Žaliūkas as [[Captain (association football)|vice-captain]], although László stressed that they would share many of the responsibilities that come with the captaincy and said "I really have two captains".<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HeartsNewsDetail/0,,10289~1752852,00.html Michael and Marius appointed] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816155806/http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HeartsNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10289~1752852%2C00.html |date=16 August 2009 }}, heartsfc.co.uk, 13 August 2009.</ref>
In July 2009, following the departures of captain [[Robbie Neilson]] and vice-captain [[Christos Karipidis]] to [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] and [[AC Omonia]] respectively, László named Žaliūkas as one of the candidates to take the [[club captain]]cy, along with midfielders [[Michael Stewart (footballer)|Michael Stewart]] and [[Laryea Kingston]]. László stated that despite Žaliūkas' poor disciplinary record, he would be willing to trust the defender with the responsibility of being a leader.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8140456.stm Hearts trio vying for captaincy], [[BBC Sport]], 8 July 2009.</ref> On 13 August 2009, Stewart was named club captain with Žaliūkas as [[Captain (association football)|vice-captain]], although László stressed that they would share many of the responsibilities that come with the captaincy and said "I really have two captains".<ref>[http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HeartsNewsDetail/0,,10289~1752852,00.html Michael and Marius appointed] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816155806/http://www.heartsfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/HeartsNewsDetail/0%2C%2C10289~1752852%2C00.html |date=16 August 2009 }}, heartsfc.co.uk, 13 August 2009.</ref>


After Stewart left the club to join [[Gençlerbirliği]], Žaliūkas was appointed club captain by new manager [[Jim Jefferies (footballer)|Jim Jefferies]].<ref name = "captain"/> Soon afterwards, however, Žaliūkas' future at Hearts was put in doubt due to failed contract negotiations, which resulted in him being left out of the team.<ref name = "captain">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8960789.stm |title=Marius Zaliukas's Hearts future in doubt over contract |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |date=1 September 2010 |accessdate=1 September 2010}}</ref> However, in November 2010 signed a permanent contract, ending his previous loan agreement from Kaunas, which committed him to the club until the end of the 2013 season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Zaliukas to miss rest of season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21431994 |accessdate=1 November 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=13 February 2013}}</ref> Towards the end of the 2010–11 season he was once again left out of the team on the orders of club owner [[Vladimir Romanov]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13326819.stm | title=Hearts owner Romanov told manager to leave out Zaliukas | accessdate=8 May 2011 | work=BBC News | date=8 May 2011}}</ref> On 19 May 2012, Zaliukas lifted the [[Scottish Cup]] with Hearts after a historic 5–1 win over Edinburgh rivals [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18044372 Hibernian 1 - 5 Hearts], [[BBC Sport]], 19 May 2012.</ref>
After Stewart left the club to join [[Gençlerbirliği]], Žaliūkas was appointed club captain by new manager [[Jim Jefferies (footballer)|Jim Jefferies]].<ref name = "captain"/> Soon afterwards, however, Žaliūkas' future at Hearts was put in doubt due to failed contract negotiations, which resulted in him being left out of the team.<ref name = "captain">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/h/heart_of_midlothian/8960789.stm |title=Marius Zaliukas's Hearts future in doubt over contract |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |date=1 September 2010 |access-date=1 September 2010}}</ref> However, in November 2010 he signed a permanent contract, ending his previous loan agreement from Kaunas, which committed him to the club until the end of the 2013 season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Zaliukas to miss rest of season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21431994 |access-date=1 November 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=13 February 2013}}</ref> Towards the end of the 2010–11 season he was once again left out of the team on the orders of club owner [[Vladimir Romanov]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13326819.stm | title=Hearts owner Romanov told manager to leave out Zaliukas | access-date=8 May 2011 | work=BBC News | date=8 May 2011}}</ref> On 19 May 2012, Zaliukas lifted the [[Scottish Cup]] with Hearts after a 5–1 win over Edinburgh rivals [[Hibernian F.C.|Hibernian]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18044372 Hibernian 1 - 5 Hearts], [[BBC Sport]], 19 May 2012.</ref>


Žaliukas was released by Hearts during the 2013 summer transfer window, after the club had entered [[administration (British football)|administration]]. After leaving Hearts, Zaliukas joined [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] on trial. Rangers offered Zaliukus a contract, but he rejected the contract offer from Rangers to pursue other options.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24275353 | title=Rangers: Marius Zaliukas turns down contract offer | accessdate=13 September 2013 | work=BBC Sport | date=13 September 2013}}</ref> After turning down a deal at Rangers, Žaliūkas joined [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] (QPR) on trial in the hope of earning a permanent contract, after impressing on trial [[Harry Redknapp]] confirmed that Žaliūkas would be an option to sign permanently, however with QPR still making a decision on a contract offer, Žaliūkas joined Leeds United on trial and QPR instead signed [[Oguchi Onyewu]] after losing out on Žaliūkas.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/zaliukas-impresses-harry-redknapp-at-qpr-training-1-3119438 | title=Zaliukas impresses Harry Redknapp at QPR training | accessdate=1 October 2013 | work=The Scotsman | date=1 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-to-decide-as-leeds-united-eye-marius-zaliukas-77434-html | title=QPR set to decide next move as Leeds United eye defender | accessdate=21 October 2013 | work=West London Sport | date=21 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/football-news-leeds-united-eye-marius-zaliukas-57563-html | title=Redknapp not ruling out Zaliukas deal despite Leeds United interest | accessdate=18 October 2013 | work=West London Sport | date=18 October 2013}}</ref>
Žaliukas was released by Hearts during the 2013 summer transfer window, after the club had entered [[administration (British football)|administration]]. After leaving Hearts, Zaliukas joined [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] on trial. He was offered a contract there, but he rejected it to pursue other options.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24275353 | title=Rangers: Marius Zaliukas turns down contract offer | access-date=13 September 2013 | work=BBC Sport | date=13 September 2013}}</ref> After turning down a deal at Rangers, Žaliūkas joined [[Queens Park Rangers F.C.|Queens Park Rangers]] (QPR) on trial in the hope of earning a permanent contract. However, when the club delayed a possible contract offer, Žaliūkas joined Leeds United on trial and QPR instead signed [[Oguchi Onyewu]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/zaliukas-impresses-harry-redknapp-at-qpr-training-1-3119438 | title=Zaliukas impresses Harry Redknapp at QPR training | access-date=1 October 2013 | work=The Scotsman | date=1 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/qpr-to-decide-as-leeds-united-eye-marius-zaliukas-77434-html | title=QPR set to decide next move as Leeds United eye defender | access-date=21 October 2013 | work=West London Sport | date=21 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.westlondonsport.com/qpr/football-news-leeds-united-eye-marius-zaliukas-57563-html | title=Redknapp not ruling out Zaliukas deal despite Leeds United interest | access-date=18 October 2013 | work=West London Sport | date=18 October 2013}}</ref>


===Leeds United===
===Leeds United===
In October 2013, Žaliūkas began training with [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] for a trial spell, the club picking him for a development squad match, amid rumours that they would offer a contract.<ref>[http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/x2bga3ogclc1lkybpu4tfxcj/title/clearance-granted-for-defender Clearance granted for defender], [[Leeds United]], 22 October 2013.</ref> On 26 October it was announced by the club that the defender had signed a permanent contract until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/8e3v7nz8gxg41jb52xw89qt38/title/marius-signs-up! | title=Marius Signs Up | accessdate=26 October 2013 | work=Leeds United | date=26 October 2013}}</ref> Žaliūkas made his Leeds debut against [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]] on 1 November 2013,<ref>https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24680973</ref> Žaliūkas rescued a point for Leeds in a 3–3 draw against Watford on 7 December by blocking a goal bound effort in the last minute of the game.<ref>{{Cite news
In October 2013, Žaliūkas began training with [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] for a trial spell, the club picking him for a development squad match, amid rumours that they would offer a contract.<ref>[http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/x2bga3ogclc1lkybpu4tfxcj/title/clearance-granted-for-defender Clearance granted for defender], [[Leeds United]], 22 October 2013.</ref> On 26 October it was announced by the club that the defender had signed a permanent contract until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/8e3v7nz8gxg41jb52xw89qt38/title/marius-signs-up! | title=Marius Signs Up | access-date=26 October 2013 | work=Leeds United | date=26 October 2013}}</ref> Žaliūkas made his Leeds debut against [[Yeovil Town F.C.|Yeovil Town]] on 1 November 2013,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/24680973|title=Leeds United 2-0 Yeovil Town|work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Žaliūkas rescued a point for Leeds in a 3–3 draw against Watford on 7 December by blocking a goal bound effort in the last minute of the game.<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-3-watford-3-honours-even-after-an-elland-road-epic-1-6302414 |title = Leeds United 3 Watford 3: Honours even after an Elland Road epic |access-date = 7 December 2013 |publisher = Yorkshire Evening Post |date = 7 December 2013}}</ref> Žaliūkas' impressive performances during the absence of injured defender [[Scott Wootton]] meant Žaliūkas became one of the first names on the teamsheet under Leeds manager [[Brian McDermott (footballer)|Brian McDermott]] as part of three centre backs with [[Tom Lees]] and [[Jason Pearce]] in Leeds' 3–5–2 formation.<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/blackpool-v-leeds-united-murphy-out-and-zaliukas-is-a-doubt-1-6332127 |title = Blackpool v Leeds United: Murphy out and Zaliukas is a doubt |access-date = 23 December 2013 |publisher = Yorkshire Evening Post |date = 23 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url = http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/12/21/sp-the-real-reason-behind-leeds-uniteds-promotion-push/ |title = The REAL reason behind Leeds United's promotion push |access-date = 24 December 2013 |publisher = Here Is The City |date = 24 December 2013}}</ref>
| url = http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/leeds-united-3-watford-3-honours-even-after-an-elland-road-epic-1-6302414
| title = Leeds United 3 Watford 3: Honours even after an Elland Road epic
| accessdate = 7 December 2013
| publisher = Yorkshire Evening Post
| date = 7 December 2013}}</ref> Žaliūkas' impressive performances during the absence of injured defender [[Scott Wootton]] meant Žaliūkas became one of the first names on the teamsheet under Leeds manager [[Brian McDermott (footballer)|Brian McDermott]] as part of three centre backs with [[Tom Lees]] and [[Jason Pearce]] in Leeds' 3–5–2 formation.<ref>{{Cite news
| url = http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/blackpool-v-leeds-united-murphy-out-and-zaliukas-is-a-doubt-1-6332127
| title = Blackpool v Leeds United: Murphy out and Zaliukas is a doubt
| accessdate = 23 December 2013
| publisher = Yorkshire Evening Post
| date = 23 December 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news
| url = http://hereisthecity.com/en-gb/2013/12/21/sp-the-real-reason-behind-leeds-uniteds-promotion-push/
| title = The REAL reason behind Leeds United's promotion push
| accessdate = 24 December 2013
| publisher = Here Is The City
| date = 24 December 2013}}</ref>


In December 2013, Žaliūkas was the victim of straight red card challenges in successive games, first [[Marcus Tudgay]] was sent off for Barnsley on 21 December,<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.leedsunited.com/match-report/match/1484278 |title = DERBY STALEMATE AT ELLAND ROAD |access-date = 21 December 2013 |publisher = Leeds United A.F.C. |date = 21 December 2013}}</ref> and then [[Kirk Broadfoot]] for Blackpool on 26 December was sent off for a bad challenge on Žaliūkas.<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/t1i8uh7spd9m10m0jli1vytyt/title/united-draw-at-the-seaside |title = Lee Peltier goal seals away point for United... |access-date = 26 December 2013 |publisher = Leeds United A.F.C. |date = 26 December 2013}}</ref> On 31 December 2013, Žaliūkas' impressive form was rewarded when he signed an extended and improved contract at Leeds until the end of the 2014–15 season.<ref>{{Cite news |url = http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/1eydie1r2eb7p1xvlgh59cxtmm/title/zaliukas-signs-new-deal |title = ZALIUKAS SIGNS NEW DEAL : Defender rewarded with improved and extended contract.... |access-date = 31 December 2013 |publisher = Leeds United A.F.C. |date = 31 December 2013}}</ref> However, after a series of individual mistakes in the 6–0 defeat against [[Sheffield Wednesday]], Žaliūkas lost his place in the Leeds United team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MISERY AT WEDNESDAY |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/q84wiec1zwup1f6ydzhlcpd3p/title/misery-at-wednesday |work=Leeds United AFC |date=11 January 2014}}</ref> On 30 June 2014, Žaliūkas was left out of Leeds' two-week pre-season training camp to [[Santa Cristina Gherdëina|Santa Cristina]] in Italy.<ref name="PRE-SEASON: PLAYERS ARRIVE IN ITALY">{{Cite news |title = PRE-SEASON: PLAYERS ARRIVE IN ITALY |url = http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/nv8o3fzu81iv10run6o4rcuzn/title/pre-season-players-arrive-in-italy |publisher = Leeds United |date = 30 June 2014 |access-date = 30 June 2014}}</ref> His contract was terminated by mutual consent a day later.<ref name="Leeds United terminate contract of defender Marius Zaliukas">{{Cite news |title = Leeds United terminate contract of defender Marius Zaliukas |url = http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11715/9368227/transfer-news-leeds-united-terminate-contract-of-defender-marius-zaliukas |publisher = Leeds United |date = 1 July 2014 |access-date = 1 July 2014}}</ref>
In December 2013, Žaliūkas was victim of straight red card challenges in successive games, first [[Marcus Tudgay]] was sent off for Barnsley on 21 December for a challenge on Žaliūkas,<ref>{{Cite news
| url = http://www.leedsunited.com/match-report/match/1484278
| title = DERBY STALEMATE AT ELLAND ROAD
| accessdate = 21 December 2013
| publisher = Leeds United A.F.C.
| date = 21 December 2013}}</ref> and then [[Kirk Broadfoot]] for Blackpool on 26 December was also sent off for a bad challenge on Žaliūkas.<ref>{{Cite news
| url = http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/t1i8uh7spd9m10m0jli1vytyt/title/united-draw-at-the-seaside
| title = Lee Peltier goal seals away point for United...
| accessdate = 26 December 2013
| publisher = Leeds United A.F.C.
| date = 26 December 2013}}</ref> 31 December 2013, Žaliūkas' impressive form was rewarded when he signed an extended and improved contract at Leeds until the end of the 2014–15 season.<ref>{{Cite news
| url = http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/1eydie1r2eb7p1xvlgh59cxtmm/title/zaliukas-signs-new-deal
| title = ZALIUKAS SIGNS NEW DEAL : Defender rewarded with improved and extended contract....
| accessdate = 31 December 2013
| publisher = Leeds United A.F.C.
| date = 31 December 2013}}</ref> However, after a series of individual mistakes in the 6–0 defeat against [[Sheffield Wednesday]], Žaliūkas lost his place in the Leeds United team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MISERY AT WEDNESDAY |url=http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/q84wiec1zwup1f6ydzhlcpd3p/title/misery-at-wednesday |work=Leeds United AFC |date=11 January 2014}}</ref> On 30 June 2014, Žaliūkas was left out of Leeds' two-week pre-season training camp to [[Santa Cristina Gherdëina|Santa Cristina]] in [[Italy]].<ref name="PRE-SEASON: PLAYERS ARRIVE IN ITALY">{{Cite news
| title = PRE-SEASON: PLAYERS ARRIVE IN ITALY
| url = http://www.leedsunited.com/news/article/nv8o3fzu81iv10run6o4rcuzn/title/pre-season-players-arrive-in-italy
| publisher = Leeds United
| date = 30 June 2014
| accessdate = 30 June 2014}}</ref> His contract was terminated by mutual consent a day later.<ref name="Leeds United terminate contract of defender Marius Zaliukas">{{Cite news
| title = Leeds United terminate contract of defender Marius Zaliukas
| url = http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11715/9368227/transfer-news-leeds-united-terminate-contract-of-defender-marius-zaliukas
| publisher = Leeds United
| date = 1 July 2014
| accessdate = 1 July 2014}}</ref>


===Rangers===
===Rangers===
On 3 July 2014, after leaving Leeds United, Žaliūkas joined [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] on trial. He later signed a two-year contract with Rangers that month.<ref>{{ Cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28271776 | publisher=BBC | work=BBC Sport | date=11 July 2014 | title=Rangers sign central defender Marius Zaliukas}}</ref> After making 28 appearances for the Scottish club, along with scoring two goals, Žaliūkas left Rangers by mutual consent on 27 August 2015. He played his last match with Rangers in a pre-season friendly against [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34084803| work=BBC Sport| title=Marius Zaliukas latest to leave Ibrox| date=28 August 2015| publisher=BBC }}</ref>
On 3 July 2014, after leaving Leeds United, Žaliūkas joined [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] on trial. He later signed a two-year contract with the [[Scottish Championship]] club that month.<ref>{{ Cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28271776 | publisher=BBC | work=BBC Sport | date=11 July 2014 | title=Rangers sign central defender Marius Zaliukas}}</ref> After making 28 appearances, along with scoring two goals, Žaliūkas left Rangers by mutual consent on 27 August 2015. He played his last match in a pre-season friendly against [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34084803| work=BBC Sport| title=Marius Zaliukas latest to leave Ibrox| date=28 August 2015| publisher=BBC }}</ref>


===Žalgiris===
===Žalgiris===
In 2016 Žaliūkas played for Lithuanian club [[FK Žalgiris]].<ref name=een31-10-20/> He retired from football in January 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pilcher |first1=Ross |title=Sad news as former Hearts captain dies at 36 after suffering from MND |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/sport/football/marius-zaliukas-dies-aged-36-19200261 |accessdate=1 November 2020 |work=Edinburgh Live |date=31 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
In 2016 Žaliūkas played for Lithuanian club [[FK Žalgiris]].<ref name=een31-10-20/> He retired from football in January 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pilcher |first1=Ross |title=Sad news as former Hearts captain dies at 36 after suffering from MND |url=https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/sport/football/marius-zaliukas-dies-aged-36-19200261 |access-date=1 November 2020 |work=Edinburgh Live |date=31 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref>


==International career==
==International career==
Žaliūkas made his [[Lithuania national football team|Lithuania]] debut in 2005.<ref name=15min>{{cite news |title=Skaudi netektis: Anapilin išėjo buvęs futbolo rinktinės gynėjas M.Žaliūkas |url=https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/futbolas/skaudi-netektis-anapilin-isejo-buves-rinktines-gynejas-m-zaliukas-24-1401020 |accessdate=1 November 2020 |work=15 Min |date=31 October 2020 |language=lt}}</ref> He scored his first and only international goal against [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]] on 7 September 2012 in a [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] qualifier.<ref name=een31-10-20/><ref>{{cite news |last1=October 2020 |first1=PA Staff 31 |title=Former Hearts, Leeds and Rangers defender Marius Zaliukas dies, aged 36 |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/former-hearts-leeds-and-rangers-defender-marius-zaliukas-dies-aged-36-1604169061000 |accessdate=1 November 2020 |work=fourfourtwo.com |date=31 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Žaliūkas' last game for the national side came in 2016.<ref name=15min/>
Žaliūkas made his debut for the [[Lithuania national football team|Lithuania national team]] in 2005.<ref name=15min>{{cite news |title=Skaudi netektis: Anapilin išėjo buvęs futbolo rinktinės gynėjas M.Žaliūkas |url=https://www.15min.lt/sportas/naujiena/futbolas/skaudi-netektis-anapilin-isejo-buves-rinktines-gynejas-m-zaliukas-24-1401020 |access-date=1 November 2020 |work=15 Min |date=31 October 2020 |language=lt}}</ref> He scored his first and only international goal against [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]] on 7 September 2012 in a [[2014 FIFA World Cup]] qualifier.<ref name=een31-10-20/><ref>{{cite news |last1=October 2020 |first1=PA Staff 31 |title=Former Hearts, Leeds and Rangers defender Marius Zaliukas dies, aged 36 |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/former-hearts-leeds-and-rangers-defender-marius-zaliukas-dies-aged-36-1604169061000 |access-date=1 November 2020 |work=fourfourtwo.com |date=31 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref> Žaliūkas' last game for the national side came in 2016.<ref name=15min/>


==Personal life and death==
==Death==
Žaliūkas was married to Nora Žaliūkė. They had a son, also named Marius, who was born in March 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hearts dedicate win over Hibernian to Marius Zaliukas |url=https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/hearts/news/hearts-dedicate-win-over-hibernian-to-marius-zaliukas_420697.html |access-date=19 February 2022 |publisher=Sports Mole |date=1 November 2020}}</ref>
According to Lithuanian Football Federation president [[Tomas Danilevičius]], Žaliūkas was diagnosed with [[motor neurone disease]] in 2014 or 2015. On 31 October 2020, the Lithuanian Football Federation confirmed that Žaliūkas had died at the age of 36.<ref name=bbc31-10-20>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54764579|title=Marius Zaliukas: Former Hearts & Rangers defender dead at age of 36|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 October 2020|accessdate=31 October 2020}}</ref> After a mass at [[St. George the Martyr Church, Kaunas]], Žaliūkas will be buried on 5 November 2020.<ref name=15min/> He is survived by his wife Nora Žaliūkė and his son Marius Jr. (b. 2020).

According to Lithuanian Football Federation president [[Tomas Danilevičius]], Žaliūkas was diagnosed with [[motor neurone disease]] in 2013. On 31 October 2020, the Lithuanian Football Federation confirmed that Žaliūkas had died at the age of 36.<ref name=bbc31-10-20>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54764579|title=Marius Zaliukas: Former Hearts & Rangers defender dead at age of 36|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 October 2020|access-date=31 October 2020}}</ref> After a mass at [[St. George the Martyr Church, Kaunas]], Žaliūkas was buried on 5 November 2020.<ref name=15min/>

Hearts retired the number 26 jersey in Žaliūkas's honour for 2021–22, while making MND Scotland their sponsor for two years.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McLauchlin |first1=Brian |title=Hearts retire number 26 shirt for season to honour Zaliukas |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57698498 |access-date=19 February 2022 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=2 July 2021}}</ref>


==Career statistics==
==Career statistics==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
===Club===
|+ Scottish club statistics<ref>{{cite web | url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/marius-zaliukas/13037/ | title=Marius Žaliūkas Stats | publisher=Soccerway | accessdate=27 February 2012}}</ref><ref name = "soccerbase1">{{soccerbase|id=38756|name=Marius Zaliukas}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
|-
! rowspan=2 | Club
!rowspan="2"|Club
! rowspan=2 | Season
!rowspan="2"|Season
! colspan=2 | League
!colspan="3"|League
! colspan=2 | Scottish Cup
!colspan="2"|National Cup
! colspan=2 | League Cup
!colspan="2"|League Cup
! colspan=2 | Europe
!colspan="2"|Europe
! colspan=2 | Total
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
|-
!Division
! App
!Apps
! Goals
!Goals
! App
!Apps
! Goals
!Goals
! App
!Apps
! Goals
!Goals
! App
!Apps
! Goals
!Goals
! App
!Apps
! Goals
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
|-
|-
! rowspan=7 | [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]]
|rowspan="8"|[[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Heart of Midlothian]]
|[[2006–07 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2006–07]]
|[[2006–07 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2006–07]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|38756|2006}}</ref>
|[[Scottish Premiership]]
|27||2||1||0||1||0||0||0||29||2
|27||2||1||0||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||29||2
|-
|-
|[[2007–08 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2007–08]]
|[[2007–08 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2007–08]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|38756|2007}}</ref>
|rowspan="6"|Scottish Premiership
|26||1||0||0||2||0||0||0||28||1
|26||1||0||0||2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||28||1
|-
|-
|[[2008–09 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2008–09]]
|[[2008–09 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|38756|2008}}</ref>
|28||2||2||0||1||0||0||0||31||2
|28||2||2||0||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||31||2
|-
|-
|[[2009–10 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2009–10]]
|[[2009–10 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2009–10]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|38756|2009}}</ref>
|22||2||1||0||2||0||2||0||25||2
|22||2||1||0||2||0||2<ref name="sw">{{Soccerway|13037}}</ref>||1||colspan="2"|–||25||3
|-
|-
|[[2010–11 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2010–11]]
|[[2010–11 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2010–11]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|38756|2010}}</ref>
|28||1||1||0||0||0||0||0||29||1
|28||1||1||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||29||1
|-
|-
|[[2011–12 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2011–12]]
|[[2011–12 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2011–12]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|38756|2011}}</ref>
|36||1||6||1||1||0||4||0||47||2
|36||1||6||1||1||0||4||0||colspan="2"|–||47||2
|-
|-
|[[2012–13 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2012–13]]
|[[2012–13 Heart of Midlothian F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|38756|2012}}</ref>
|24||2||1||0||3||2||2||0||30||4
|25||2||1||0||3||2||2||0||colspan="2"|–||31||4
|-
|-
! colspan=2| Total
!185!!11!!12!!1!!10!!2!!8!!0!!212!!14
|-
!Rangers
|[[2014–15 Rangers F.C. season|2014-15]]
|19||2||0||0||1||0||0||0||20||2
|-
! colspan=2| Career Totals
!204!!13!!12!!1!!11!!2!!8!!0!!232!!16
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|+ English club statistics<ref>{{Cite web
|title= Statistics
|url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=71437
|publisher=[[Soccerbase]]
|accessdate=1 October 2008}}</ref>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Season
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Division
!colspan="2"|League
!colspan="2"|[[FA Cup]]
!colspan="2"|[[Football League Cup|League Cup]]
!colspan="2"|[[Football League play-offs|Play-offs]]
!colspan="2"|Total
!colspan="2"|Total
!165!!9!!11!!1!!9!!2!!8!!1!!0!!0!!193!!13
!colspan="2"|Discipline
|-
|-
|[[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]
! Apps !! Goals !! Apps !! Goals !! Apps !! Goals !! Apps !! Goals !! Apps !! Goals !! [[Image:Yellow card.svg|13px|alt=A yellow card]] !! [[Image:Red card.svg|13px|alt=A red card]]
|[[2013–14 Leeds United A.F.C. season|2013–14]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|38756|2013}}</ref>
|[[Football League Championship|Championship]]
|15||0||1||0||0||0||–||–||colspan="2"|–||16||0
|-
|-
|[[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]]
| [[2013–14 Leeds United A.F.C. season|2013–14]] || [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]] || rowspan=1|[[Football League Championship|Championship]]
|[[2014–15 Rangers F.C. season|2014–15]]<ref>{{Soccerbase season|38756|2014}}</ref>
| 9 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || – || –
|[[Scottish Championship]]
! 9 !! 0
|19||2||0||0||3||0||0||0||6{{efn|Appearances in play-offs}}||0||28||2
| 0 || 0
|-
|-
|[[FK Žalgiris|Žalgiris]]
! colspan=3|Total
|[[2016 FK Žalgiris season|2016]]<ref name="sw"/>
! 9 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 9 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0
|[[A Lyga]]
|11||1||4||0||colspan="2"|–||1||0||1{{efn|Appearance in Lithuanian Supercup}}||0||18||1
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!237!!14!!17!!1!!13!!2!!9!!1!!7!!0!!284!!18
|}
|}


{{notelist}}



===International goals===
===International goals===
:''Scores and results list Lithuania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Žaliūkas goal''.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Marius Žaliūkas
! Goal !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition
|-
|-
!scope="col"|No.
| 1 || 7 September 2012 || [[LFF Stadium]], [[Vilnius]] || {{fb|SVK}} || 1–1 || 1-1 || [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group G|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification]]<ref name=een31-10-20/>
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| align="center"|1 || 7 September 2012 || [[LFF Stadium]], [[Vilnius]] || {{fb|SVK}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|1–1 || [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group G|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification]]<ref name=een31-10-20/>
|}
|}


==Honours==
==Honours==
===Club===
'''Heart of Midlothian'''
'''Heart of Midlothian'''
* [[Scottish Cup]]: [[2012 Scottish Cup Final|2012]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Media |first1=P. A. |title=Hearts dedicate Scottish Cup semi-final win to former captain Marius Zaliukas |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/oct/31/hearts-hibernian-scottish-cup-semi-final-match-report-football |accessdate=1 November 2020 |work=the Guardian |date=31 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Scottish Cup]]: [[2012 Scottish Cup Final|2011–12]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Media |first1=P. A. |title=Hearts dedicate Scottish Cup semi-final win to former captain Marius Zaliukas |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/oct/31/hearts-hibernian-scottish-cup-semi-final-match-report-football |access-date=1 November 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=31 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref>


'''Žalgiris'''
'''Žalgiris'''
* [[Lithuanian Supercup]]: 2016<ref name=club>{{cite web |title=Lithuania - VMFD Žalgiris Vilnius |url=https://int.soccerway.com/teams/lithuania/fk-zalgiris-vilnius/1406/ |publisher=Soccerway |accessdate=1 November 2020}}</ref>
* [[A Lyga]]: [[2016 A Lyga|2016]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Summary - A Lyga - Lithuania |url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/lithuania/a-lyga/2016/regular-season/r34661/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=1 November 2020}}</ref>
* [[Lithuanian Football Cup]]: [[2015–16 Lithuanian Football Cup|2015–16]], [[2016 Lithuanian Football Cup|2016]]<ref name=club/>
* [[Lithuanian Football Cup]]: [[2015–16 Lithuanian Football Cup|2015–16]], [[2016 Lithuanian Football Cup|2016]]<ref name=club/>
* [[A Lyga]]: [[2016 A Lyga|2016]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Summary - A Lyga - Lithuania |url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/lithuania/a-lyga/2016/regular-season/r34661/ |publisher=Soccerway |accessdate=1 November 2020}}</ref>
* [[Lithuanian Supercup]]: 2016<ref name=club>{{cite web |title=Lithuania - VMFD Žalgiris Vilnius |url=https://int.soccerway.com/teams/lithuania/fk-zalgiris-vilnius/1406/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=1 November 2020}}</ref>


===Individual===
'''Individual'''
*[[Scottish Premier League]] Player of the Month: December 2010<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cbfootball.co.uk/monthly.aspx?MonthID=12 | title=December 2010 Award | accessdate=3 March 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117215320/http://cbfootball.co.uk/monthly.aspx?MonthID=12 | archive-date=17 January 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[Scottish Premier League]] Player of the Month: December 2010<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cbfootball.co.uk/monthly.aspx?MonthID=12 | title=December 2010 Award | access-date=3 March 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117215320/http://cbfootball.co.uk/monthly.aspx?MonthID=12 | archive-date=17 January 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
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}}
}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Zaliukas, Marius}}
{{authority control}}
{{authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Zaliukas, Marius}}
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:1983 births]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:2020 deaths]]
[[Category:People from Kuršėnai]]
[[Category:People from Kuršėnai]]
[[Category:Lithuanian footballers]]
[[Category:Lithuanian men's footballers]]
[[Category:Association football defenders]]
[[Category:Men's association football defenders]]
[[Category:Lithuania international footballers]]
[[Category:Lithuania men's international footballers]]
[[Category:Lithuanian expatriate footballers]]
[[Category:A Lyga players]]
[[Category:A Lyga players]]
[[Category:Scottish Premier League players]]
[[Category:Scottish Professional Football League players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:FK Inkaras Kaunas players]]
[[Category:FK Inkaras Kaunas players]]
[[Category:FBK Kaunas footballers]]
[[Category:FBK Kaunas footballers]]
[[Category:FK Šilutė players]]
[[Category:FK Šilutė players]]
[[Category:FK Žalgiris players]]
[[Category:FK Žalgiris players]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in Scotland]]
[[Category:Lithuanian expatriate sportspeople in Scotland]]
[[Category:Heart of Midlothian F.C. players]]
[[Category:Heart of Midlothian F.C. players]]
[[Category:Scottish Premier League players]]
[[Category:Rangers F.C. players]]
[[Category:Rangers F.C. players]]
[[Category:Scottish Professional Football League players]]
[[Category:Expatriate footballers in England]]
[[Category:Lithuanian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Leeds United F.C. players]]
[[Category:Leeds United F.C. players]]
[[Category:English Football League players]]
[[Category:Lithuanian expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Lithuanian expatriate sportspeople in Scotland]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland]]
[[Category:Lithuanian expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Neurological disease deaths in Lithuania]]
[[Category:Deaths from motor neuron disease]]

Revision as of 23:43, 30 December 2023

Marius Žaliūkas
Žaliūkas with Heart of Midlothian in 2011
Personal information
Full name Marius Žaliūkas
Date of birth (1983-11-10)10 November 1983
Place of birth Kaunas, Lithuanian SSR, Soviet Union
Date of death 31 October 2020(2020-10-31) (aged 36)
Place of death Kaunas, Lithuania
Height 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position(s) Centre back
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2002–2004 Inkaras Kaunas 9 (0)
2004–2007 FBK Kaunas 31 (2)
2004–2005 → FK Šilutė (loan) 15 (0)
2006–2007 → Heart of Midlothian (loan) 27 (2)
2007–2013 Heart of Midlothian 165 (9)
2013–2014 Leeds United 15 (0)
2014–2015 Rangers 19 (2)
2016 Žalgiris 11 (1)
Total 292 (16)
International career
2004–2005 Lithuania U21 10 (0)
2005–2016 Litauen 25 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Marius Žaliūkas (10 November 1983 – 31 October 2020) was a Lithuanian professional footballer who played primarily as a centre back, but also played as a defensive midfielder.[1][2]

Žaliūkas played in his homeland for Inkaras Kaunas, FBK Kaunas and FK Šilutė before joining Hearts of the Scottish Premier League in 2006, initially on loan. He spent seven years there, playing 193 games and scoring 13 goals, and captaining the team to win the Scottish Cup in 2012. He then had spells in the Football League Championship with Leeds United and the Scottish Championship with Rangers, before retiring back to Lithuania with Žalgiris in 2016.

At international level, Žaliūkas played 25 times for the Lithuania national team between 2005 and 2016, scoring once. He died at the age of 36 from motor neuron disease.

Club career

Early career

Žaliūkas started his career with Inkaras Kaunas before joining city rivals FBK Kaunas in 2004. He spent the 2004/05 season on loan to FK Šilutė before returning to Kaunas.[3]

Heart of Midlothian

Žaliūkas was loaned to Hearts from FBK Kaunas in August 2006.[2] He was one of many Lithuanians signed by owner Vladimir Romanov, who also owned Kaunas.[4] Žaliūkas made his competitive debut on 26 August in a 4–1 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle,[5] and scored his first goal for the Tynecastle club to secure a 2–2 draw at St Mirren on 2 December.[6] His only other goal of the season came on 1 April 2007, the only goal in the 81st minute of an Edinburgh Derby win at Hibernian.[7]

Further to his impressive start to the 2008–09 season, it was reported by BBC Sport that major clubs in Moscow were willing to sign the defender.[8] Žaliūkas was sent off four times during the 2008–09 season, although one red card was later rescinded. The third of these dismissals came in a Scottish Cup tie against Falkirk, when he punched Falkirk's Carl Finnigan twice in the face. Manager Csaba László reacted angrily to Žaliūkas, and told him that he needs to change his attitude.[9] Two of the red cards came at Pittodrie against Aberdeen in separate matches. He ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract with Hearts, which ran until December 2010.[10]

In July 2009, following the departures of captain Robbie Neilson and vice-captain Christos Karipidis to Leicester City and AC Omonia respectively, László named Žaliūkas as one of the candidates to take the club captaincy, along with midfielders Michael Stewart and Laryea Kingston. László stated that despite Žaliūkas' poor disciplinary record, he would be willing to trust the defender with the responsibility of being a leader.[11] On 13 August 2009, Stewart was named club captain with Žaliūkas as vice-captain, although László stressed that they would share many of the responsibilities that come with the captaincy and said "I really have two captains".[12]

After Stewart left the club to join Gençlerbirliği, Žaliūkas was appointed club captain by new manager Jim Jefferies.[13] Soon afterwards, however, Žaliūkas' future at Hearts was put in doubt due to failed contract negotiations, which resulted in him being left out of the team.[13] However, in November 2010 he signed a permanent contract, ending his previous loan agreement from Kaunas, which committed him to the club until the end of the 2013 season.[14] Towards the end of the 2010–11 season he was once again left out of the team on the orders of club owner Vladimir Romanov.[15] On 19 May 2012, Zaliukas lifted the Scottish Cup with Hearts after a 5–1 win over Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.[16]

Žaliukas was released by Hearts during the 2013 summer transfer window, after the club had entered administration. After leaving Hearts, Zaliukas joined Rangers on trial. He was offered a contract there, but he rejected it to pursue other options.[17] After turning down a deal at Rangers, Žaliūkas joined Queens Park Rangers (QPR) on trial in the hope of earning a permanent contract. However, when the club delayed a possible contract offer, Žaliūkas joined Leeds United on trial and QPR instead signed Oguchi Onyewu.[18][19][20]

Leeds United

In October 2013, Žaliūkas began training with Leeds United for a trial spell, the club picking him for a development squad match, amid rumours that they would offer a contract.[21] On 26 October it was announced by the club that the defender had signed a permanent contract until the end of the season.[22] Žaliūkas made his Leeds debut against Yeovil Town on 1 November 2013,[23] Žaliūkas rescued a point for Leeds in a 3–3 draw against Watford on 7 December by blocking a goal bound effort in the last minute of the game.[24] Žaliūkas' impressive performances during the absence of injured defender Scott Wootton meant Žaliūkas became one of the first names on the teamsheet under Leeds manager Brian McDermott as part of three centre backs with Tom Lees and Jason Pearce in Leeds' 3–5–2 formation.[25][26]

In December 2013, Žaliūkas was the victim of straight red card challenges in successive games, first Marcus Tudgay was sent off for Barnsley on 21 December,[27] and then Kirk Broadfoot for Blackpool on 26 December was sent off for a bad challenge on Žaliūkas.[28] On 31 December 2013, Žaliūkas' impressive form was rewarded when he signed an extended and improved contract at Leeds until the end of the 2014–15 season.[29] However, after a series of individual mistakes in the 6–0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday, Žaliūkas lost his place in the Leeds United team.[30] On 30 June 2014, Žaliūkas was left out of Leeds' two-week pre-season training camp to Santa Cristina in Italy.[31] His contract was terminated by mutual consent a day later.[32]

Rangers

On 3 July 2014, after leaving Leeds United, Žaliūkas joined Rangers on trial. He later signed a two-year contract with the Scottish Championship club that month.[33] After making 28 appearances, along with scoring two goals, Žaliūkas left Rangers by mutual consent on 27 August 2015. He played his last match in a pre-season friendly against Burnley.[34]

Žalgiris

In 2016 Žaliūkas played for Lithuanian club FK Žalgiris.[3] He retired from football in January 2017.[35]

International career

Žaliūkas made his debut for the Lithuania national team in 2005.[36] He scored his first and only international goal against Slovakia on 7 September 2012 in a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier.[3][37] Žaliūkas' last game for the national side came in 2016.[36]

Personal life and death

Žaliūkas was married to Nora Žaliūkė. They had a son, also named Marius, who was born in March 2020.[38]

According to Lithuanian Football Federation president Tomas Danilevičius, Žaliūkas was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2013. On 31 October 2020, the Lithuanian Football Federation confirmed that Žaliūkas had died at the age of 36.[1] After a mass at St. George the Martyr Church, Kaunas, Žaliūkas was buried on 5 November 2020.[36]

Hearts retired the number 26 jersey in Žaliūkas's honour for 2021–22, while making MND Scotland their sponsor for two years.[39]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Europa Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Heart of Midlothian 2006–07[40] Scottish Premiership 27 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 - 29 2
2007–08[41] Scottish Premiership 26 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 - 28 1
2008–09[42] 28 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 - 31 2
2009–10[43] 22 2 1 0 2 0 2[44] 1 - 25 3
2010–11[45] 28 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 29 1
2011–12[46] 36 1 6 1 1 0 4 0 - 47 2
2012–13[47] 25 2 1 0 3 2 2 0 - 31 4
Total 165 9 11 1 9 2 8 1 0 0 193 13
Leeds United 2013–14[48] Championship 15 0 1 0 0 0 - - - 16 0
Rangers 2014–15[49] Scottish Championship 19 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 6[a] 0 28 2
Žalgiris 2016[44] A Lyga 11 1 4 0 - 1 0 1[b] 0 18 1
Career total 237 14 17 1 13 2 9 1 7 0 284 18
  1. ^ Appearances in play-offs
  2. ^ Appearance in Lithuanian Supercup

International goals

Scores and results list Lithuania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Žaliūkas goal.
List of international goals scored by Marius Žaliūkas
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 7 September 2012 LFF Stadium, Vilnius  Slowakei 1–1 1–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification[3]

Honours

Heart of Midlothian

Žalgiris

Individual

References

  1. ^ a b "Marius Zaliukas: Former Hearts & Rangers defender dead at age of 36". BBC Sport. 31 October 2020. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  2. ^ a b Kaunas' Zaliukas signs for Hearts, BBC Sport, 15 August 2006.
  3. ^ a b c d McPartlin, Patrick (31 October 2020). "Marius Zaliukas, former Hearts captain and Rangers defender, dies at 36". Edinburgh Evening News. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  4. ^ "Hearts add to Lithuanian legion". UEFA. 7 January 2007. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  5. ^ "Hearts 4-1 Inverness CT". BBC Sport. 26 August 2006. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  6. ^ "Maroon memories: St Mirren 2-2 Hearts, December 2, 2006". Edinburgh Evening News. 14 July 2012. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  7. ^ Lindsay, Clive (1 April 2007). "Hibernian 0-1 Hearts". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  8. ^ Zaliukas considers Hearts future, BBC Sport, 31 December 2008.
  9. ^ Laszlo blast for banned Zaliukas, BBC Sport, 10 February 2009.
  10. ^ Zaliukas extends Tynecastle stay, BBC Sport, 9 May 2009.
  11. ^ Hearts trio vying for captaincy, BBC Sport, 8 July 2009.
  12. ^ Michael and Marius appointed Archived 16 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine, heartsfc.co.uk, 13 August 2009.
  13. ^ a b "Marius Zaliukas's Hearts future in doubt over contract". BBC Sport. 1 September 2010. Retrieved 1 September 2010.
  14. ^ "Zaliukas to miss rest of season". BBC Sport. 13 February 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  15. ^ "Hearts owner Romanov told manager to leave out Zaliukas". BBC News. 8 May 2011. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
  16. ^ Hibernian 1 - 5 Hearts, BBC Sport, 19 May 2012.
  17. ^ "Rangers: Marius Zaliukas turns down contract offer". BBC Sport. 13 September 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  18. ^ "Zaliukas impresses Harry Redknapp at QPR training". The Scotsman. 1 October 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2013.
  19. ^ "QPR set to decide next move as Leeds United eye defender". West London Sport. 21 October 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
  20. ^ "Redknapp not ruling out Zaliukas deal despite Leeds United interest". West London Sport. 18 October 2013. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
  21. ^ Clearance granted for defender, Leeds United, 22 October 2013.
  22. ^ "Marius Signs Up". Leeds United. 26 October 2013. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  23. ^ "Leeds United 2-0 Yeovil Town". BBC Sport.
  24. ^ "Leeds United 3 Watford 3: Honours even after an Elland Road epic". Yorkshire Evening Post. 7 December 2013. Retrieved 7 December 2013.
  25. ^ "Blackpool v Leeds United: Murphy out and Zaliukas is a doubt". Yorkshire Evening Post. 23 December 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2013.
  26. ^ "The REAL reason behind Leeds United's promotion push". Here Is The City. 24 December 2013. Retrieved 24 December 2013.
  27. ^ "DERBY STALEMATE AT ELLAND ROAD". Leeds United A.F.C. 21 December 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2013.
  28. ^ "Lee Peltier goal seals away point for United..." Leeds United A.F.C. 26 December 2013. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
  29. ^ "ZALIUKAS SIGNS NEW DEAL : Defender rewarded with improved and extended contract..." Leeds United A.F.C. 31 December 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
  30. ^ "MISERY AT WEDNESDAY". Leeds United AFC. 11 January 2014.
  31. ^ "PRE-SEASON: PLAYERS ARRIVE IN ITALY". Leeds United. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  32. ^ "Leeds United terminate contract of defender Marius Zaliukas". Leeds United. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  33. ^ "Rangers sign central defender Marius Zaliukas". BBC Sport. BBC. 11 July 2014.
  34. ^ "Marius Zaliukas latest to leave Ibrox". BBC Sport. BBC. 28 August 2015.
  35. ^ Pilcher, Ross (31 October 2020). "Sad news as former Hearts captain dies at 36 after suffering from MND". Edinburgh Live. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  36. ^ a b c "Skaudi netektis: Anapilin išėjo buvęs futbolo rinktinės gynėjas M.Žaliūkas". 15 Min (in Lithuanian). 31 October 2020. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  37. ^ October 2020, PA Staff 31 (31 October 2020). "Former Hearts, Leeds and Rangers defender Marius Zaliukas dies, aged 36". fourfourtwo.com. Retrieved 1 November 2020.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  38. ^ "Hearts dedicate win over Hibernian to Marius Zaliukas". Sports Mole. 1 November 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  39. ^ McLauchlin, Brian (2 July 2021). "Hearts retire number 26 shirt for season to honour Zaliukas". BBC Sport. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
  40. ^ "Games played by Marius Žaliūkas in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  41. ^ "Games played by Marius Žaliūkas in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  42. ^ "Games played by Marius Žaliūkas in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  43. ^ "Games played by Marius Žaliūkas in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  44. ^ a b Marius Žaliūkas at Soccerway
  45. ^ "Games played by Marius Žaliūkas in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  46. ^ "Games played by Marius Žaliūkas in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  47. ^ "Games played by Marius Žaliūkas in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  48. ^ "Games played by Marius Žaliūkas in 2013/2014". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  49. ^ "Games played by Marius Žaliūkas in 2014/2015". Soccerbase. Centurycomm.
  50. ^ Media, P. A. (31 October 2020). "Hearts dedicate Scottish Cup semi-final win to former captain Marius Zaliukas". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  51. ^ "Summary - A Lyga - Lithuania". Soccerway. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  52. ^ a b "Lithuania - VMFD Žalgiris Vilnius". Soccerway. Retrieved 1 November 2020.
  53. ^ "December 2010 Award". Archived from the original on 17 January 2011. Retrieved 3 March 2011.
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