Andranik Teymourian made history on 18 May 2014 by becoming the first Christian to captain the Iran national football team. A versatile midfielder, he established a career spanning professional leagues in Iran, England, and Qatar. Throughout his tenure, he achieved 100 international caps while representing his country across multiple World Cups and Asian Cup tournaments.
Early Career in Iran
Born on 6 March 1983 in Tehran to ethnic Armenian parents, Teymourian began his professional path with Oghab F.C. in the Azadegan League. He subsequently transferred to F.C. Aboomoslem in the Iranian Premier League. During the 2005–06 season, he logged 26 appearances and recorded one goal for the club before seeking opportunities abroad.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →The English League Tenure
In August 2006, Teymourian signed a two-year contract with Bolton Wanderers after securing a work permit. His breakthrough occurred on 6 January 2007, when he scored two goals in an FA Cup match against Doncaster Rovers. Later that year, on 7 April, he produced a man-of-the-match performance against Wigan Athletic, scoring his first two Premier League goals. Following his time at Bolton, he moved to Fulham in 2008 and undertook a loan spell at Barnsley in early 2009. His involvement in English football concluded in 2010 after unsuccessful negotiations with Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield United.
Return to Iranian and Qatari Clubs
Teymourian returned to Iran in September 2010 to join Tractor. By mid-2011, he moved to Esteghlal, where he secured the 2011–12 Hazfi Cup. His career also included a stint with the Qatari side Al Kharaitiyat SC starting in 2012, followed by a return to Esteghlal in 2013 on a three-year deal. During this period, he was named the 2013–14 season's best player. Later stops included spells at Tractor, Umm Salal, Saipa, and Machine Sazi.
International Milestones
Teymourian’s international career began in 2005. He represented Iran at the 2006 and 2014 World Cups, as well as the 2007, 2011, and 2015 Asian Cups. He became the most capped Iranian player in World Cup history with six matches, a record shared with Mehdi Mahdavikia. Following the retirement of Javad Nekounam, Teymourian took over the captaincy, eventually reaching the milestone of 100 international caps.
Fast facts
- Born: 6 March 1983, Tehran
- Primary Position: Midfielder
- First Christian captain of Iran national team
- Total international caps: 100
- FA Premier League clubs: Bolton Wanderers, Fulham
- 2013–14 Persian Gulf Pro League Best Player
- Hazfi Cup titles: 2011–12 (Esteghlal), 2016–17 (Naft Tehran)
Questions readers ask
Which international tournaments did Andranik Teymourian participate in?
He played in the 2006 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2007, 2011, and 2015 AFC Asian Cups.
Did Teymourian hold any records for the Iranian national team?
He was the first Christian to captain the team and is one of the few players to reach 100 international caps.
