FC Noah: The Armenian team that Chelsea play, named after a biblical character with Figo links

Davit Alaverdyan, editor-in-chief of Mediamax Media Company in Yerevan, said: “Although the club was founded in 2017, in 2022-23 it was completely transformed with a new owner and management, so in that sense it can really be considered new.

“Such success is truly unprecedented.”

Former Portugal, Real Madrid and Barcelona star Figo seems unlikely to be a name linked to an Armenian club team, but club owner Vardanyan said: “Luis Figo was one of the first to support my vision about building this project.

“He believed in the success of the program and offered his willingness to help in key areas. We are friends and often discuss the club’s development, with Figo giving valuable advice.

“We have big plans with Figo, especially in promoting Noah’s young talents abroad and strengthening the club’s international reputation.”

The club’s sudden rise and hitherto nomadic history means their fan base is still catching up. They have had several different stadiums, in the capital Yerevan, plus Armavir and currently Abovyan.

Their European matches are played at the Republican Stadium in Yerevan and they are building a new stadium in the nearby town of Echmiatsin.

“Until recently, the team did not have many fans, but success on the international stage has led to the number increasing with each match,” said journalist Alaverdyan.

“A stadium for 20,000 people as well as a football academy is being built near Yerevan.”

And the biblical name of the club?

The Old Testament says that Noah’s Ark landed on Mount Ararat – which is just over the border in modern Turkey and dominates the Yerevan skyline.

Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion in the fourth century.

“A significant part of Armenia lies in the Ararat Valley, so the themes of Ararat, Noah and his ark have sacred meaning for Armenians,” Alaverdyan said.

Captain Hovhannes Hambardzumyan is one of their longest serving players, having joined in August 2023.

“Being part of Noah’s project is something special for all of us,” said the 34-year-old Armenia right-back.

“We don’t just play football; we play for our nation, our pride, our homeland and our tricolor flag, striving to raise the name Noah in the world of football.”