Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, an Armenian football maestro born on 21 January 1989, has established himself as a pivotal figure in both club and international football. Currently plying his trade as a midfielder for Serie A giants Internazionale, Mkhitaryan's journey through the beautiful game has been nothing short of remarkable, characterised by his vision, creativity, and an eye for goal that has made him Armenia's all-time top goalscorer.

Mkhitaryan's professional career commenced in 2006 with Pyunik, where he clinched four consecutive Armenian Premier League titles before taking his talents abroad. In 2009, he transferred to Metalurh Donetsk and then made a significant move to city rivals Shakhtar Donetsk in 2010 for a fee of €6.1 million. During his time at Shakhtar, he not only set the league goalscoring record in the 2012-13 season but also earned the title of the league's Footballer of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as a standout performer.

In 2013, Mkhitaryan made a high-profile switch to Borussia Dortmund for a club-record fee of €27.5 million, making him the most expensive Armenian player ever. His time in the Bundesliga was highlighted by a DFL-Supercup victory in 2014 and a season where he led the league in assists, showcasing his ability to create goal-scoring opportunities for his teammates. Following his successful spell in Germany, he joined Manchester United in 2016, where he became the first Armenian to feature in the Premier League. His tenure at United was marked by an FA Community Shield triumph and a decisive goal in the UEFA Europa League final, further enhancing his legacy.

After a brief stint at Arsenal, Mkhitaryan moved to Roma in 2020, initially on loan before signing permanently. In 2022, he took on a new challenge with Inter Milan, continuing to display his exceptional skills in Italy's top flight. Over his international career with Armenia from 2007 to 2022, Mkhitaryan earned 95 caps and netted 32 goals, cementing his status as a national icon and earning the title of Armenian Footballer of the Year twelve times. With a career rich in achievements, Henrikh Mkhitaryan remains a formidable force in the footballing world.