Armenian Sports News

Thirteen years ago, Henrikh Mkhitaryan transitioned from Shakhtar Donetsk to Borussia Dortmund for a record $35.38 million, marking a pivotal moment in Armenian football history.

In 2013, Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s transfer to Borussia Dortmund not only elevated his career but also brought Armenian football into the spotlight. The substantial fee of $35.38 million signified a new era for players from Armenia, showcasing their potential on the European stage.

During his tenure at BVB, Mkhitaryan established himself as one of the continent’s most dynamic attacking midfielders. With a remarkable record of 144 appearances, he scored 41 goals and provided 49 assists, demonstrating his critical role in the team’s success. His performance in the 2015/16 season was particularly noteworthy, where he participated in 56 matches across club and international competitions, netting 26 goals and assisting 38 times. These impressive statistics earned him a place in discussions surrounding the prestigious Ballon d’Or, highlighting his impact in European football.

Mkhitaryan’s journey from Donetsk to Dortmund not only transformed his career but also set a precedent for future Armenian athletes, inspiring a new generation in the world of sports.

This Saturday, Arman Tsarukyan, a rising star in the UFC lightweight division, will take to the mat at RAF Georgia in Tbilisi, where he faces seasoned Kazakh MMA fighter Kuat “Naiman” Khamitov in an eagerly anticipated matchup.

Arman Tsarukyan, who remains unbeaten in Real American Freestyle with a record of 6-0, has made a significant impact in his recent competitions. His latest performances include a dominant 10-0 victory over Tony Ferguson at RAF 10, a 16-5 tech-fall win against Keelon “Mugzy” Jimison at RAF 9, and a commanding 13-1 win over Urijah Faber at RAF 8.

This upcoming bout against Khamitov is seen as a critical test for Tsarukyan, who has quickly garnered attention for his skill and athleticism in the octagon. The event coincides with the World Cup, but fans are urged to focus on Tsarukyan’s impressive trajectory in mixed martial arts, as he aims to extend his winning streak and solidify his position in the sport.

The match will take place at RAF Georgia, further highlighting the growing popularity of wrestling and MMA in the region. As Tsarukyan prepares for the challenge, all eyes will be on him to see if he can maintain his unbeaten status and continue to rise through the ranks of the UFC.

Samvel Terteryan, a promising talent from Armenia, has made headlines by winning gold in Greco-Roman wrestling at the U20 European Championships held in 2026, showcasing an impressive performance throughout the tournament.

At the U20 European Championships, Samvel Terteryan dominated the 77 kg Greco-Roman wrestling category, securing the title with a series of commanding victories. He began the tournament with a 9-0 technical superiority win against Austria’s Lars Matt, followed by another decisive 9-0 victory over Moldova’s Nichita Apostol.

In the semifinals, Terteryan continued his impressive run, defeating Sweden’s Ruben Arvid Jonas Straakeved with an 8-0 score. His remarkable performance culminated in the finals, where he secured a 4-0 victory over Azerbaijan’s Javidan Nahmatov, solidifying his place at the top of European wrestling.

This championship adds to Terteryan’s accolades; earlier this year, he also earned a silver medal at the U23 European Championships in the same weight class. With these achievements, Terteryan is poised to be one of Armenia’s standout athletes in the wrestling arena.

The Armenian women’s basketball team kicked off their FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket Division C campaign with an impressive 100-29 victory over Moldova in Malta, signaling a promising future for the sport in the country.

In a commanding performance, Armenia showcased their skills and teamwork during the match, making a strong statement in Group B. Leading 20-10 at the end of the first quarter, the team exploded in the second quarter, scoring an impressive 37 points while restricting Moldova to only two points in the third quarter.

Celine Najarian was a standout player, achieving a remarkable efficiency rating of 27, while Lori Biaina Ohanian also contributed significantly to the team’s success. This victory puts Armenia in a strong position as they move to 1-0 in the group, setting a positive tone for their upcoming match against Albania.

As the tournament progresses, the Armenian team aims to build on this momentum, demonstrating their potential on an international stage. With promising talent and a strong team effort, the future of Armenian women’s basketball looks bright.

Eduard Spertsyan, captain of the Armenian national football team, has officially signed with Saudi club Al Ahli after leaving Russian side Krasnodar, marking a new chapter in his career.

Eduard Spertsyan is set to take on a new challenge in his football career as he transitions from FC Krasnodar in Russia to Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. This move has been confirmed, with Spertsyan expressing eagerness to contribute to his new team.

Al Ahli, which finished third in the Saudi Professional League last season, is just three points shy of the championship title. The club boasts a roster filled with impressive talent, including renowned players like Ivan Toney and Édouard Mendy, making it a competitive environment for Spertsyan to showcase his skills.

With this transfer, the Armenian international aims to make a significant impact in the league and further his professional development. Fans and analysts alike are keen to see how he adapts to the new challenges ahead in Saudi football.

In a thrilling match at the Abovyan City Stadium, Ararat-Armenia claimed a decisive 2-0 victory against Riga FC in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round, setting the stage for a promising second leg next week in Latvia.

The match unfolded with a tense first half that ended scoreless, leaving both teams searching for momentum. However, the Armenian champions found their rhythm after the break. In the 63rd minute, Hugo Oliveira scored the opening goal, breaking the deadlock and energizing the home crowd.

Just before the final whistle, Carlos Henrique França Freires added to Ararat-Armenia’s lead with a second goal in the 86th minute, solidifying their advantage ahead of the return leg. This victory puts Ararat-Armenia in a strong position as they aim for a spot in the second qualifying round.

The second leg is scheduled for July 14th in Latvia, where both teams will vie for a place in the next round of the prestigious tournament. With this win, Ararat-Armenia has set a firm foundation to advance further in the UEFA Champions League campaign.

In a thrilling match against Belgium, Armenian-American soccer player Max Arfsten made his mark on the world stage, stepping onto the field as a late substitute in the U.S. Men’s National Team’s Round of 16 clash on Monday.

Max Arfsten, 24, showcased his talent during the FIFA World Cup in Seattle, where he entered the game in the 92nd minute. Although the United States faced elimination after the match, Arfsten’s performance reflects his significant contribution to the team’s journey.

Currently playing for the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer (MLS), Arfsten played a pivotal role in helping the team secure the 2023 MLS Cup. His consistency on the field has earned him a regular spot in both his club and national teams, highlighting his rapid development as a promising athlete.

Arfsten’s connection to Armenia runs deep, tracing back to his great-grandfather, Samvel Siroonian, a notable figure in Fresno’s Armenian community. This heritage adds a personal dimension to his achievements on the soccer field. Despite the U.S. team’s early exit, Arfsten concluded the tournament with four appearances, marking a significant milestone in his budding career.

In a decisive knockout match in Seattle, Belgium triumphed over the United States with a score of 4-1, effectively ending the Americans’ World Cup journey and securing their place in the quarterfinals.

Belgium’s victory was marked by an early goal from Charles De Ketelaere, setting the tone for the match. Although the United States fought back, leveling the score through Malik Tillman’s impressive free kick, Belgium regained control before halftime with De Ketelaere netting his second goal.

The second half saw Belgium extend their lead with a goal from Hans Vanaken, followed by a fourth goal from Romelu Lukaku, sealing the game decisively. This result not only showcased Belgium’s offensive prowess but also underscored the challenges faced by the U.S. team in their knockout stage encounter.

Belgium will now face Spain in the quarterfinals on Friday in Los Angeles, with high hopes of advancing to the semifinals. The match highlights the competitive spirit and talent present at this year’s FIFA World Cup, as teams strive for soccer’s ultimate prize.

Armenian heavyweight boxer Temur Mamoyan has extended his professional record to 12-0 with a decisive second-round knockout of Todorche Tsvetkov at a recent boxing event in Germany, solidifying his place among the top contenders in the heavyweight division.

Mamoyan, 34, showcased his impressive skills in the ring, delivering a powerful performance that led to his victory over Tsvetkov. This win not only maintains his undefeated status but also reinforces his position as a rising star in the heavyweight boxing scene.

Holding the WBA International Gold belt, Mamoyan is currently ranked 13th in the World Boxing Association (WBA) standings. His ascent in the rankings is notable, especially as he competes in a division that includes well-established fighters.

In the WBA rankings, Mamoyan trails only two other Armenian fighters: Vartan Harutyunyan, who is ranked 5th, and Gurgen Hovhannisyan, positioned 8th. As Mamoyan continues to impress with his performances, boxing enthusiasts are eager to see how far he can climb in the rankings and what challenges lie ahead for him in the ring.