Artūras Rimkevičius: Lithuanian striker and international goalscorer

Club career

Rimkevičius spent his career at multiple clubs, moving between teams in Lithuania and exploring opportunities in neighbouring countries. Known club associations include:

• FK Tauras Tauragė
• FBK Kaunas
• FK Liepājas Metalurgs (Latvia)
• FK Šilutė
• FK Šiauliai
• FK Bekentas
• Atlantis FC (Finland)
• Asteras Tripoli F.C. (Greece)

His career path—moving between domestic clubs and short spells abroad—reflects a common route for players from smaller European footballing nations seeking regular playing time and professional contracts. Rimkevičius was viewed as an experienced striker at the domestic level and contributed goals across several campaigns.

International career

Rimkevičius made his senior international debut for Lithuania in June 2010 in a match against Latvia. Over the course of his international tenure he earned seven caps and scored three goals—one against Estonia and two against Armenia. Although his time with the national side was brief, scoring at international level established him among the pool of forwards available to the national team during that period.

Style and contribution

As a centre forward Rimkevičius was primarily deployed to finish attacking moves, occupy opposing defenders and provide a focal point for his team’s offence. Reports from coaches and teammates described him as a hardworking player with an instinct for goal in the box. In domestic competitions his experience benefited smaller clubs that relied on seasoned forwards to guide younger teammates.

Death and reaction

Artūras Rimkevičius died on 23 September 2019 in his Kaunas apartment. Contemporary news reports indicated that his death was the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound and treated it as a suicide; these accounts led to public expressions of sorrow from former clubs, teammates and supporters. Coverage and tributes compiled after his death discuss both his on-field contributions and the shock felt within the Lithuanian football community; see contemporary reports for further information.

Rimkevičius is remembered in Lithuania as a goalscorer who spent a career spanning several domestic clubs and short international spells. His story is cited in broader discussions about player welfare in professional sport and the need for support mechanisms for athletes facing personal difficulties.