Granddaughter of Latvian football veteran Ulbergs shares memories of the legendary professor
Kristīne Ulberga, granddaughter of the legendary Latvian football coach Vadims Ulbergs, has published a personal account of her grandfather's life, his passion for football, and his concerns about the future of Latvian football.
A life dedicated to football
Vadims Ulbergs, born on July 17, 1921, was one of the most prominent Latvian football experts, often called "the only football professor in Latvia." In a story published on Sportacentrs.com, his granddaughter Kristīne Ulberga recalls that her grandfather's love for the game was deeper than anything else, and he lived for football from childhood, when he kicked a rag ball in Iļģuciems.
Ulbergs began his career at age 17 with the Rīga football club, but a knee injury forced him to become a coach. He spent many years with Daugava Rīga, and after Latvia regained independence, he worked with the national team as an assistant to Jānis Gilis. Never a conformist, Ulbergs refused to chase money or power, often remaining in the background as an advisor. However, no national team coach dared to build a team without his input.
Personal life and philosophy
Kristīne remembers her grandfather as socially distant but completely devoted to football. He practiced autogenic training, exercised after meals, and lived mindfully: long walks, moderation in eating, silence when there was nothing to say.
In the early 2000s, after moving to Mežciems, Ulbergs lost his hearing and sight, but his mind remained sharp. He managed to watch Latvia's historic 2004 European Championship game, but even then he warned that the success was a one-time event and that Māris Verpakovskis would achieve no more — a prediction that sadly came true.
Concerns about the future of Latvian football
Kristīne reveals that as early as the 1990s, when FK Skonto was founded and Guntis Indriksons became head of the Football Federation, Ulbergs warned that a monopoly would lead to a collapse. He believed football should be developed honestly, not for profit.
Ulbergs passed away at age 87, and his granddaughter dedicated this story to preserve his memory. Her wish for Latvian football: "If a person has a true goal, absolutely nothing can prevent them from achieving it."
