Valdas Dambrauskas is set to lead Sabah FC onto the pitch at Old Trafford in a Champions League match, marking a significant milestone in his coaching journey. This moment is particularly poignant for the Lithuanian manager, who began his career two decades ago with Manchester United Soccer Schools.
“It’s beyond imagination,” Dambrauskas shared with BBC Sport, reflecting on the surreal experience of coaching at a stadium where he once visited with young players. His path to this point is as remarkable as it is unconventional, beginning with a modest win on the Lithuanian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Using those winnings, Dambrauskas moved to London to pursue a career in football coaching.
Game Show Victory Sparks Career
When Sabah FC secured their spot in the Champions League, Valdas Dambrauskas found himself unexpectedly trending on social media, thanks to his past appearance on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in 2002. Winning 4,000 litas, roughly £725, he could have never imagined the impact this would have on his future.
Despite the small amount, the winnings were substantial compared to the average Lithuanian salary at the time. Dambrauskas used the money to finance his coaching courses in the UK, setting in motion a career that would span several countries and leagues.
Building a Coaching Foundation in England
Arriving in London in 2002, Dambrauskas juggled multiple jobs while pursuing his coaching ambitions. He worked with community projects and semi-professional clubs, all while raising a family. His dedication saw him take on roles at the Access to Sports Project and London Tigers, where he progressed from a volunteer to managing teams in non-league football.
His big break came in 2004 when Manchester United Soccer Schools offered him a coaching role, a position he held for five years. Dambrauskas credits his time there as transformative, providing him with invaluable experience and connections in the football world.
A Journey Across Europe
Dambrauskas’s career took him back to Lithuania with Ekranas, before moving on to manage Zalgiris Vilnius. There, he achieved significant success, winning multiple league titles and cups. His coaching journey then led him to clubs across Europe, including stints in Latvia, Croatia, Bulgaria, and Greece, amassing 13 trophies in five countries.
In 2025, he took charge of Sabah FC, leading them to a league and cup double in his first season. Now, as they prepare for their Champions League campaign, Dambrauskas reflects on the incredible journey that began with a simple game show win.
Champions League Ambitions
Sabah FC’s road to the Champions League was not without challenges. After navigating four qualifying rounds, they now face European giants like Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona. For Dambrauskas, this represents the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.
Sabah’s rise under Dambrauskas’s leadership has been meteoric, with club president Magsud Adigozalov praising the coach for instilling a winning mentality in the team. As they prepare to compete on Europe’s biggest stage, Dambrauskas is eager to demonstrate that Sabah can hold their own against elite competition.
