Davit Alaverdyan, chief editor 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 a success is truly unprecedented.”
Former Portugal, Real Madrid and Barcelona star Figo seems an unlikely name to be linked to an Armenian club side but club owner Vardanyan said: “Luis Figo was one of the first to support my vision of building this project.
“He believed in the programme’s success and offered his willingness to assist in key areas. We are friends and often discuss the club’s development, with Figo providing valuable advice.
“We have big plans with Figo, particularly in promoting Noah’s young talents abroad and enhancing the club’s international reputation.”
The club’s sudden rise and a nomadic history to date means their fanbase is still catching up. They have had several different stadiums, in capital Yerevan, plus Armavir and currently Abovyan.
Their European games are being played at the Republican Stadium in Yerevan, and they are building a new stadium in nearby city Echmiatsin.
“Until recently, the team did not have many fans, but success on the international stage has led to the number increasing with each game,” 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 Noah’s Ark landed on Mount Ararat – which is just over the border in modern Turkey and dominates the Yerevan horizon.
Armenia was the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as its official religion in the fourth 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,” said Alaverdyan.
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 are not just playing football; we are playing for our nation, our pride, our homeland, and our tricolour flag, striving to elevate the name of Noah in the world of football.”
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