“Although the club was founded in 2017, in 2022-23 it was completely transformed with a new owner and management, so in this sense it can be considered truly new,” said Davit Alaverdyan, editor-in-chief of Mediamax Media in Yerevan.
“Such success is truly unprecedented.”
Former Portugal, Real Madrid and Barcelona star Figo seems an unlikely name to be associated with an Armenian club, but club owner Vardanyan said: “Luis Figo was one of the first to support my vision of building 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, and Figo gives valuable advice.
He added: “We have big plans with Figo, especially in promoting Noah’s young talents abroad and enhancing the club’s reputation at the international level.”
The club’s sudden rise and nomadic history so far means its fanbase is still catching up. They had several different stadiums, in the capital, Yerevan, as well as Armavir and now Abovyan.
Their European matches are played at the Republican Stadium in Yerevan, and they are building a new stadium in the nearby city of Echmyatsin.
Journalist Alvardian said: “Until recently, the team did not have many fans, but success on the international scene has led to the number increasing with every match.”
“A stadium with a capacity of 20,000 people, as well as a football academy, are being built near Yerevan.”
And the written name of the club?
The Old Testament says that Noah’s Ark landed on Mount Ararat, which lies right on the border of modern Türkiye and dominates Yerevan’s skyline.
Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion in the fourth century.
“A large part of Armenia is located in the Ararat Valley, so the themes of Ararat and Noah and his ark have a sacred meaning for Armenians,” Alphardian said.
Captain Hovhannes Hambardzomian is one of the team’s longest-serving players, having joined in August 2023.
“To be part of Project Noah is special for all of us,” the 34-year-old Armenian right-back said.
“We don’t just play football, we play for our nation, our pride, our homeland and our tri-colour flag, and we strive to raise Noah’s name in the world of football.”
