J. Žebrauskas went to Italy a few weeks ago to sign a contract, and at the end of this week, after completing the international transfer formalities, he was officially registered with the new club.
The player’s transfer to the “Žalgiris” club will also bring a solid compensation – close to a six-figure sum.
Last season, J. Žebrauskas represented the “Žalgiris” U-16 team in the Elite Youth League and was also called up to the Lithuanian U-16 national team. At the end of 2025, he went to Italy, where he participated in a trial with the “Sassuolo” club.
“Jokūbas has trained in our academy since he was little, progressing through almost the entire development pyramid. An invitation from such a prestigious club as “Inter” is an acknowledgment for all our academy coaches, and for young players, it shows that in football, anyone can get a chance, you just need to be prepared. We wish Jokūbas the greatest success on his path to professional football,” said Žydrūnas Grudzinskas, head of the “Žalgiris” academy.
J. Žebrauskas came to his first training session at the age of just six. His family, especially his father, encouraged Jokūbas to choose football.
“My dad lives football. He also played, so he suggested I try it. I liked football, I was doing well, so I didn’t look for anything else,” said Jokūbas.
The news about Milan “Inter”’s interest made a huge impression on the young player, although he had heard about the Italian club’s attention before.
“It’s a huge name not only in European but also world football. I somewhat expected it because there was contact and I knew I was being watched, but it was still very nice,” said J. Žebrauskas.
Even before leaving for Italy, Jokūbas did not hide that the move would be a challenge not only for football but also for life. The sixteen-year-old will have to adapt to new conditions.
“It motivates me that not many footballers from Lithuania go to such clubs. I will have to work hard and prove that I didn’t leave for nothing. It’s a bit nerve-wracking that I will have to live in another country where I don’t know anyone and a different language is spoken. But I think I will manage,” said the Žalgiris player.
Although J. Žebrauskas is only 16 years old, he already sets the highest goals for himself. One of his first goals was to sign a contract with “Žalgiris” – which he has already achieved.
“Now I dream of making it to the main “Inter” team, being called up to the Lithuanian national team, and winning titles,” he listed his goals.
Speaking about the years spent at the “Žalgiris” academy, Jokūbas highlighted not only the knowledge given by the coaches but also the connection with the club community and fans.
“The moments I remember most are when our fans came to the matches to support us. That’s when you understand why you play football. Being in such a club, you always have to give your all because you play not only for yourself but also for the people who come to support you,” said the footballer.
A group of “Žalgiris” academy coaches and extra work at Ozas Gymnasium contributed to J. Žebrauskas’s development.
“All the coaches gave me a lot. Ozas Gymnasium, where I studied, also contributed a lot. It provided conditions to train twice a day, which really helped me improve,” he said.
Among the many moments experienced in the academy, Jokūbas especially remembers the Elite Youth League match against “Kauno Žalgiris” three years ago. “It was a very important match, and I scored the only goal of that game. In my joy, I even broke the corner flag while running to celebrate. But sometimes that happens,” smiled J. Žebrauskas.
To younger “Žalgiris” academy footballers dreaming of a similar path, he wished not to lose confidence and love for football.
“The most important thing is to believe in yourself, be brave, not be afraid to play and make mistakes, and always enjoy football,” said the Žalgiris player continuing his career in the Milan “Inter” system.
More “Žalgiris” academy graduates also represent Italian clubs – 20-year-old Motiejus Šapola belongs to the “Pisa” club and this season represents the “Spezia” team, while Adomas Buikus represents the “Bologna” club academy.
