Andranik "Ando" Timotian-Samarani,
commonly known as Andranik Teymourian (; , born 6 March 1983) is a former Iranian professional
footballer
A football player or footballer is a sportsperson who plays one of the different types of football. The main types of football are association football, American football, Canadian football, Australian rules football, Gaelic football, rugby lea ...
who played as a
midfielder
In the sport of association football, a midfielder takes an Glossary of association football terms#O, outfield position primarily in the middle of the pitch. Midfielders may play an exclusively defensive role, breaking up attacks, and are in t ...
. He is notably the first
Christian
A Christian () is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity, a Monotheism, monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus in Christianity, Jesus Christ. Christians form the largest religious community in the wo ...
to captain the
Iran national team.
From 2006 to the end of 2010, he played for three clubs in England, namely
Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers Football Club ( ) is a professional association football, football club based in Horwich, Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester, England, which competes in EFL League One, League One, the third level of the Englis ...
and
Fulham
Fulham () is an area of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in West London, England, southwest of Charing Cross. It lies in a loop on the north bank of the River Thames, bordering Hammersmith, Kensington and Chelsea, London, Chelsea ...
in the
Premier League
The Premier League is a professional association football league in England and the highest level of the English football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football Lea ...
and
Barnsley
Barnsley () is a market town in South Yorkshire, England. It is the main settlement of the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley and the fourth largest settlement in South Yorkshire. The town's population was 71,422 in 2021, while the wider boroug ...
in the
Football League Championship
The English Football League Championship, known simply as the Championship and for sponsorship purposes as Sky Betting & Gaming, Sky Bet Championship, is a professional association football league in England and Wales. Contested by 24 clubs, i ...
.
Teymourian played his first match for Iran in 2005 and has featured in their squads for the
2006
2006 was designated as the International Year of Deserts and Desertification.
Events
January
* January 1– 4 – Russia temporarily cuts shipment of natural gas to Ukraine during a price dispute.
* January 12 – A stampede during t ...
and
2014 World Cups, as well as also the
2007
2007 was designated as the International Heliophysical Year and the International Polar Year.
Events
January
* January 1
**Bulgaria and Romania 2007 enlargement of the European Union, join the European Union, while Slovenia joins the Eur ...
,
2011
The year marked the start of a Arab Spring, series of protests and revolutions throughout the Arab world advocating for democracy, reform, and economic recovery, later leading to the depositions of world leaders in Tunisia, Egypt, and Yemen ...
and
2015 Asian Cups.
Club career
Early career
Andranik was born in
Tehran
Tehran (; , ''Tehrân'') is the capital and largest city of Iran. It is the capital of Tehran province, and the administrative center for Tehran County and its Central District (Tehran County), Central District. With a population of around 9. ...
, Iran to ethnic
Armenia
Armenia, officially the Republic of Armenia, is a landlocked country in the Armenian Highlands of West Asia. It is a part of the Caucasus region and is bordered by Turkey to the west, Georgia (country), Georgia to the north and Azerbaijan to ...
n parents. He started with
Oghab F.C.
Oghab Tehran Football Club (, ''Bashgah-e Futbal-e 'Qab Tehran'') is an Iranian soccer, football team based in Tehran, Iran. They currently compete in the Tehran Province league and it is owned by the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.
History
...
in Iran's
Azadegan League
The Azadegan League (, ''Lig-e Âzâdegân''), also known as League 1 (, ''Lig-e Yek''), is the second highest division of professional football in Iran. It was the top-level football league in Iran from its foundation in 1991 until 2001, when t ...
, and continued his professional career playing for
F.C. Aboomoslem in the
Iranian Premier League. In the
2005–06 season, Andranik made 26 appearances for
F.C. Aboomoslem and scored one goal.
Bolton Wanderers
In late August 2006 he signed a two-year deal with
FA Premier League
The Premier League is a professional association football league in England and the highest level of the English football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football ...
club Bolton Wanderers, for an undisclosed fee, after being granted a work permit.
He scored his first two goals for Bolton Wanderers in the
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, more commonly known as the FA Cup, is an annual Single-elimination tournament, knockout association football, football competition in domestic Football in England, English football. First played during ...
third round in a 4–0 win over
Doncaster Rovers
Doncaster Rovers Football Club is a professional association football club based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. The team currently competes in EFL League One, the third level of the English football league system after winning the 202 ...
on 6 January 2007, in only his third appearance. Andranik then went on to make his full
Premier League
The Premier League is a professional association football league in England and the highest level of the English football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football Lea ...
debut against
Fulham
Fulham () is an area of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in West London, England, southwest of Charing Cross. It lies in a loop on the north bank of the River Thames, bordering Hammersmith, Kensington and Chelsea, London, Chelsea ...
on 11 February 2007. His first two league goals came during a man-of-the-match performance against local rivals
Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic Football Club is a professional association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. The team competes in the EFL League One, the third level of the English football league system.
Founded in 1932, they have p ...
on 7 April 2007.
Fulham
On 12 June 2008, Andranik signed a two-year contract with
Fulham
Fulham () is an area of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham in West London, England, southwest of Charing Cross. It lies in a loop on the north bank of the River Thames, bordering Hammersmith, Kensington and Chelsea, London, Chelsea ...
after moving on a free transfer. He made his Fulham debut against
Arsenal
An arsenal is a place where arms and ammunition are made, maintained and repaired, stored, or issued, in any combination, whether privately or publicly owned. Arsenal and armoury (British English) or armory (American English) are mostly ...
, in which he helped secure a 1–0 victory. On 2 February 2009, he went on loan to
Barnsley
Barnsley () is a market town in South Yorkshire, England. It is the main settlement of the Metropolitan Borough of Barnsley and the fourth largest settlement in South Yorkshire. The town's population was 71,422 in 2021, while the wider boroug ...
of the
Football League Championship
The English Football League Championship, known simply as the Championship and for sponsorship purposes as Sky Betting & Gaming, Sky Bet Championship, is a professional association football league in England and Wales. Contested by 24 clubs, i ...
until the end of the season. He later stated that he wanted to stay with Fulham for the 2009–10 season. On 1 July 2010, Fulham announced that Andranik had been released from his contract with Fulham.
In July 2010, Teymourian was named in
Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is a professional football club based in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, which competes in the , the second level of the English football league system. They have played home matches at Ewood Park since 1890. Th ...
' team to face
Southport FC in a pre-season friendly.
On 22 July 2010, Teymourian began talks with
Sheffield United after turning down a tour with Blackburn Rovers across Australia. Blades coach
Gary Speed
Gary Andrew Speed (8 September 1969 – 27 November 2011) was a Welsh professional footballer and manager. As manager of Wales, Speed is often credited as being the catalyst for the change in fortunes of the national team and as setting t ...
was believed to have recommended Teymourian to Blades boss
Kevin Blackwell as Speed and Teymourian played together at Bolton Wanderers. Teymourian began talks with Blackburn Rovers about a deal to stay with the
Premier League
The Premier League is a professional association football league in England and the highest level of the English football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football Lea ...
club possibly on a short-term deal. The move broke down as he was denied a work permit.
Tractor
On 19 September 2010, Teymourian returned to Iran to join the
Tabriz
Tabriz (; ) is a city in the Central District (Tabriz County), Central District of Tabriz County, in the East Azerbaijan province, East Azerbaijan province of northwestern Iran. It serves as capital of the province, the county, and the distric ...
-based club
Tractor
A tractor is an engineering vehicle specifically designed to deliver a high tractive effort (or torque) at slow speeds, for the purposes of hauling a Trailer (vehicle), trailer or machinery such as that used in agriculture, mining or constructio ...
, the move marked the end of his career in England.
Esteghlal

It was confirmed in mid-July 2011 that Teymourian had signed a contract with Tehran and IPL club
Esteghlal. He made his debut for club against
Sepahan
Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan Sport Club (, ''Bâšgâh-e Farhangi-Varzeši-ye Fulâd-e Mobârake-ye Sepâhân''), commonly known as Sepahan, is an Iranian sports club based in Isfahan. It is best known for their football section that play in the P ...
. On 9 November 2011, he was named as one of the ten finalists for the Asian Player of the Year. He won the
Hazfi Cup
Hazfi Cup (, ) formerly known as Pahlavi Cup () is an Iranian knockout football competition held annually by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Iranian Football League, Iranian football league was not held during the 1980s, h ...
in his first season.
Al Kharaitiyat
Teymourian signed a one-year deal with Qatari side
Al Kharaitiyat SC
Al Kharaitiyat Sport Club () is a Qatari sports club based in the town of Al Kharaitiyat, best known for its football team of the Qatari Second Division. They won promotion
in 2004 and played in the Qatari Stars League the following season. Ho ...
worth $1.8 million. After his contract ended on 1 July 2013, he left the club.
Return to Esteghlal
On 18 July 2013, Teymourian returned to Esteghlal after signing a three-year contract with the club. He made his debut in a 2–1 loss to
Sepahan
Foolad Mobarakeh Sepahan Sport Club (, ''Bâšgâh-e Farhangi-Varzeši-ye Fulâd-e Mobârake-ye Sepâhân''), commonly known as Sepahan, is an Iranian sports club based in Isfahan. It is best known for their football section that play in the P ...
. He scored a 40-yard goal in a match against
Buriram United which Esteghlal won 2–1. Teymourian suffered a broken arm and was out of play for a month. He returned to the fields at the league's two final matches which Esteghlal finished the season at fifth place and missed next years' Champions League.
On 2 August 2014, Teymourian was named the 2013–14 season's best player on the annual awards ceremony of the season.
Return to Tractor
On 27 December 2014, Teymourian joined
Tractor
A tractor is an engineering vehicle specifically designed to deliver a high tractive effort (or torque) at slow speeds, for the purposes of hauling a Trailer (vehicle), trailer or machinery such as that used in agriculture, mining or constructio ...
again with an 18–month contract. He scored a free-kick on his debut in a match against
Saba Qom.
Umm Salal
On 13 July 2015, Teymourian signed with Qatari side
Umm Salal
Umm Salal (; also spelled Umm Slal) is a municipalities of Qatar, municipality in the State of Qatar.
Historic landmarks such as the Barzan Tower are located in Umm Salal.The municipal headquarters is located in Umm Salal Ali, about 10 km ...
. He left the club halfway through the season in January 2016 after a disagreement with the head coach,
Bülent Uygun, and with only 14 appearances.
Saipa
On 19 January 2016, Teymourian signed a six-month deal with
Saipa
SAIPA (, ''SAIPA'') is an Iranian automaker headquartered in Tehran. The SAIPAC (an acronym for the French ''Société anonyme iranienne de production des automobiles Citroën'' lit. ''Iranian Limited Company for the Production of Citroën Autom ...
, having previously been linked with Tehran-based club
Esteghlal and Thailand's
Buriram United. Injury caused him to only play four matches for the club before leaving in July 2016.
Machine Sazi
In July 2016 Teymourian returned to Tabriz and signed a one–year contract with newly promoted
Persian Gulf Pro League club
Machine Sazi.
International career

Teymourian played for
Iran national teams at the youth level, before being selected to take part with the senior side. He was a member of the national team during the 2006 World Cup. Pictures of an emotionally and physically drained Teymourian at the end of Iran's last game of the 2006 World Cup have begun to take the shape of Iranian football's most notable photograph from the event. Teymourian dropped to the grass and began sobbing while trainers attended to him. He has started to be recognized as a national hero in Iran because of the passion he showed for his country in the 2006 World Cup. He played in the
2007
2007 was designated as the International Heliophysical Year and the International Polar Year.
Events
January
* January 1
**Bulgaria and Romania 2007 enlargement of the European Union, join the European Union, while Slovenia joins the Eur ...
and
2011 Asian Cups, as well as the
WAFF Championships. The midfielder cemented his spot as a starter next to
Javad Nekounam, leading Iran to
qualify for the
2014 World Cup
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was the 20th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for men's national football teams organised by FIFA. It took place in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014, after the country was awarded the hosting ri ...
.
On 18 May 2014, Teymourian
captained Iran in the match against
Belarus
Belarus, officially the Republic of Belarus, is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Belarus spans an a ...
, making him the first
Christian
A Christian () is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity, a Monotheism, monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus in Christianity, Jesus Christ. Christians form the largest religious community in the wo ...
to captain the
Iranian national team.
On 1 June 2014, he was called into Iran's
2014 FIFA World Cup
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was the 20th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for list of men's national association football teams, men's national Association football, football teams organised by FIFA. It took place in Brazil fr ...
squad by
Carlos Queiroz.
He played the full 90 minutes in all three group stage matches, becoming the most capped Iran player at the
World Cup
A world cup is a global sporting competition in which the participant entities – usually international teams or individuals representing their countries – compete for the title of world champion. The event most associated with the name is ...
with six matches alongside
Mehdi Mahdavikia
Mehdi Mahdavikia (; born 24 July 1977) is an Iranian professional association football, football coach and former player usually played as a winger (association football), right winger or right back.
He was at Hamburger SV as a youth coach, and ...
. He was called into Iran's
2015 AFC Asian Cup
The 2015 AFC Asian Cup was the 16th edition of the men's AFC Asian Cup, a quadrennial international association football, football tournament organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). It was held in Australia from 9 to 31 January 201 ...
squad on 30 December 2014 by Carlos Queiroz.
He provided three assists in the tournament.
Prior to the start of qualification for the
2018 FIFA World Cup
The 2018 FIFA World Cup was the 21st FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for national association football, football teams organized by FIFA. It took place in Russia from 14 June to 15 July 2018, after the country was awarded t ...
, Teymourian was appointed as the new captain for Iran after
Javad Nekounam's retirement.
Teymourian won his 100th cap for the national team in a 1–0 win over Uzbekistan.
Personal life
Andranik's elder brother
Serjik Teymourian, was also a football player and played in Germany for
1. FSV Mainz 05
1. Fußball- und Sport-Verein Mainz 05 e. V., usually shortened to 1. FSV Mainz 05 or simply Mainz 05 (), is a German professional sports club, founded in 1905 and based in Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate. Mainz 05 play in the Bundesliga, the top tie ...
as a
defensive midfielder
In the sport of association football, a midfielder takes an outfield position primarily in the middle of the pitch. Midfielders may play an exclusively defensive role, breaking up attacks, and are in that case known as defensive midfielders. ...
. He died at the age of 46 in 2020, from a traffic collision.
Career statistics
Club
International

:''Scores and results list Iran's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Teymourian goal.''
Honours
Esteghlal
*
Hazfi Cup
Hazfi Cup (, ) formerly known as Pahlavi Cup () is an Iranian knockout football competition held annually by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Iranian Football League, Iranian football league was not held during the 1980s, h ...
:
2011–12
Naft Tehran
*
Hazfi Cup
Hazfi Cup (, ) formerly known as Pahlavi Cup () is an Iranian knockout football competition held annually by the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Iranian Football League, Iranian football league was not held during the 1980s, h ...
:
2016–17
Individual
*
Persian Gulf Pro League Best Player of the Year:
2013–14
*
Persian Gulf Pro League Best Midfield of the Year:
2014–15
*
Persian Gulf Pro League Team of the Year:
2013–14,
2014–15
See also
*
List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
In association football, a cap is traditionally awarded in international football to a player making an official appearance for their national team. This article lists all men's football players who have played in 100 or more official internat ...
References
External links
*
*
*
*
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*
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Teymourian, Andranik
1983 births
Footballers from Tehran
Living people
Iranian people of Armenian descent
Iranian men's footballers
Iran men's international footballers
Iranian expatriate men's footballers
Expatriate men's footballers in England
Expatriate men's footballers in Qatar
Iranian expatriate sportspeople in England
Iranian expatriate sportspeople in Qatar
Iranian Christians
Esteghlal F.C. players
F.C. Aboomoslem players
Bolton Wanderers F.C. players
Fulham F.C. players
Barnsley F.C. players
Persian Gulf Pro League players
Premier League players
English Football League players
FIFA Men's Century Club
2006 FIFA World Cup players
2007 AFC Asian Cup players
2011 AFC Asian Cup players
2014 FIFA World Cup players
2015 AFC Asian Cup players
Keshavarz F.C. players
F.C. Ararat Tehran players
Al Kharaitiyat SC players
Umm Salal SC players
Qatar Stars League players
Ethnic Armenian sportspeople
Men's association football midfielders
Machine Sazi F.C. players
21st-century Iranian sportsmen