Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Armenian footballer

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, often affectionately known as "Micki" by fans, is a highly distinguished Armenian professional footballer. Born on 21 January 1989, he is widely recognized as one of Armenia's greatest athletes and a pivotal figure in the nation's sporting history. Currently, he showcases his exceptional talent for AS Roma, a prominent club competing in Serie A, Italy's top professional football league.

Early Career and Rise in Eastern Europe

Primarily operating as an attacking midfielder or winger, Mkhitaryan is celebrated for his creative playmaking, goal-scoring prowess, and exceptional vision on the field. His professional journey began in his native Armenia with FC Pyunik, where he achieved remarkable early success, securing four consecutive Armenian Premier League titles.

His impressive performances led to a move to Ukraine, first joining Metalurh Donetsk in 2009. Demonstrating his rapid adaptability and skill, he quickly transitioned to their city rivals, Shakhtar Donetsk, in 2010 for a transfer fee of €6.1 million. It was at Shakhtar where Mkhitaryan truly solidified his reputation as a rising star. During the 2012–13 season, he broke the Ukrainian Premier League's all-time goalscoring record for a single season, netting an incredible 25 goals in just 30 league appearances. His outstanding contributions were recognized with the Ukrainian Premier League Footballer of the Year award. Over his tenure with Shakhtar, he also contributed to winning three domestic doubles, a significant achievement signifying victory in both the league championship and the primary domestic cup competition (the Ukrainian Cup) in the same season.

European Breakthrough and Premier League Chapters

Mkhitaryan's stellar form in Ukraine attracted significant attention from Europe's top leagues. In 2013, he made a landmark move to German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund for a club-record fee of €27.5 million, a transfer that cemented his status as the most expensive Armenian football player in history at that time.

At Borussia Dortmund, he continued to excel, demonstrating his versatility and impact. He lifted the DFL-Supercup in 2014, a traditional curtain-raiser match contested by the winners of the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal (German Cup). The following campaign, Mkhitaryan was a dominant creative force, registering an impressive 15 assists in the Bundesliga – a league-high for that season and the second-highest across all of Europe's top leagues, underscoring his elite playmaking abilities.

His exceptional performances in Germany earned him another high-profile transfer in 2016, this time to English giants Manchester United for approximately £30 million (€34.3 million). This move marked a historic moment for Armenian football, as Mkhitaryan became the first player from Armenia to compete in the prestigious English Premier League. During his time at Old Trafford, he played a crucial role in securing silverware, winning the FA Community Shield (the traditional opener for the English football season) and, most notably, scoring the decisive goal in the 2017 UEFA Europa League final against Ajax, securing a major European trophy for the club.

Following a period of inconsistent form at Manchester United, Mkhitaryan transitioned to Arsenal in 2018. He then moved to Serie A club Roma, initially on loan, before making the move permanent in 2020. At Roma, he has rediscovered some of his most influential form, becoming a key player in their midfield.

International Legacy and Accolades

Henrikh Mkhitaryan proudly represented the Armenia senior national team from 2007 until his international retirement in March 2022. During his illustrious international career, he served as a long-standing captain and the undisputed talisman for his country. He holds the prestigious record as Armenia's all-time top goalscorer, having netted 32 goals in 95 appearances for the national side. Furthermore, he etched his name into Armenian football history by scoring the nation's first-ever hat-trick in an international match.

His individual brilliance has been consistently recognized throughout his career. Mkhitaryan has been named Armenian Footballer of the Year an astonishing ten times, a testament to his enduring quality and dominance in Armenian football. He received this esteemed distinction every year from 2009 onwards, with the only exceptions being 2010 and 2018. His influence extended beyond Armenia's borders, as he was also voted the CIS Footballer of the Year in both 2012 and 2013. This prestigious award recognizes the best player from the Commonwealth of Independent States (post-Soviet countries), making Mkhitaryan the first Armenian footballer to achieve such widespread regional acclaim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henrikh Mkhitaryan

What position does Henrikh Mkhitaryan play?

He primarily plays as an attacking midfielder or winger, known for his creativity, vision, and goal-scoring ability.

Which club does Henrikh Mkhitaryan currently play for?

As of his most recent club information, he plays for Serie A club Roma.

Is Henrikh Mkhitaryan Armenia's all-time top goalscorer?

Yes, he holds the record as Armenia's all-time top goalscorer with 32 goals in 95 international appearances.

How many times has Henrikh Mkhitaryan been named Armenian Footballer of the Year?

He has been awarded the Armenian Footballer of the Year title a record ten times.

Did Henrikh Mkhitaryan win any major European trophies?

Yes, he won the UEFA Europa League with Manchester United in 2017, scoring the winning goal in the final.