Promising 15-year-old footballer Shantale Korol has joined Lithuanian champions Gintra of Šiauliai. The talented Lithuanian will wear the yellow and black number-nine shirt.
Born in Klaipėda, she has lived abroad since early childhood but maintained her connection with Lithuania. She progressed through the national girls' teams, first at U15 and then U17 level, and is now being called up to Lithuania's U19 team despite being only 15.
Shantale began playing at school, where football was initially a fun activity with friends. When her family moved to Qatar, she continued her football journey at Paris Saint-Germain's academy.
'We left Lithuania when I was only one, but I came back every summer to spend time with my grandmother in Klaipėda. When we moved to Qatar, I joined the PSG academy and spent about four years there. From around 12, I began taking football very seriously and it became part of my everyday life,' the young player said.
Despite the opportunity to remain at a renowned academy abroad, Shantale chose Lithuania and Gintra, believing in the club's development programme and opportunities to grow in a professional environment.
'I think this will be the best environment for me to improve. Gintra have a women's first team and a youth team, so I can play in the First League while training every day with top-level professionals,' she explained.
Comparing football in Qatar and Lithuania, Shantale sees significant differences. The higher training tempo and intensity were among the strongest reasons for staying in Šiauliai.
'The standard, speed and physicality here are on a completely different level. I believe I can develop much faster in this environment,' she added.
Moving to Lithuania and continuing at Gintra was not a simple decision. After a trial, it was agreed jointly with her family and the club. Although her first days with the new team were nerve-racking, support from senior players and coaches quickly helped her settle.
'I was a little nervous at first: a new club, team and environment. But the coaches and teammates welcomed me warmly, so adapting did not take long,' said the player, who turns 16 in September.
The versatile footballer can fill several attacking roles: striker, winger or attacking midfielder.
'I usually play as a striker, right winger or attacking midfielder. I do not have one favourite position; I try to give my best and help the team everywhere. Recently I have been shooting more often from distance when I see an opportunity. Even if it looks far away, I know I can hit the target,' Shantale said with a smile.
Sh. Korol has already backed up her words with actions. She has made her Gintra debut in the First League and scored six goals in three matches.
Gintra are confident the talented youngster will have every opportunity to develop professionally and steadily pursue the highest goals for both club and Lithuania's national teams.
