FC Noah: The Armenian team Chelsea plays for is named after a biblical character with links to Figo

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 new ownership and management, so in that sense it can really be considered new.

“Success like this is unprecedented.”

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

“He believed in the success of the program and was willing to help in key areas. We are friends and often discuss the development of the club, Figo gives us valuable advice.

“We have big plans with Figo, especially to promote Noah’s young talents abroad and enhance the club’s international reputation.”

The club’s sudden rise and nomadic history to date mean their fanbase is still playing catch-up. They have had several different stadiums, in the capital Yerevan, as well as 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 city of Echmiatsin.

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

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

And the biblical name of the club?

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

Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion in the 4th century.

“A significant part of Armenia is located 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 Armenian right-back.

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