Ara Akopyan Armenian footballer, striker Date of Birth: 04.11.1980 Country: Armenia

1. Ara Hakobyan: Armenian Football Legend
2. Early Career in Armenia
3. Journey Through Ukraine and Armenia
4. International Career
5. Later Career and Return to Armenia
6. Return to Ararat Yerevan
7. Legacy

Ara Hakobyan: Armenian Football Legend

Ara Hakobyan (born 1979) is an Armenian footballer who has made significant contributions to Armenian and Ukrainian club football, as well as the Armenian national team.

Early Career in Armenia

Arak began his professional career at Ararat Yerevan, a top Armenian club, where he played alongside his brother Aram Hakobyan. The following year, he joined Vladikavkaz Alania, while Ara moved to Ararat Cement. In 2000, Ara reunited with his brother at Ararat Cement, where they secured the club's only championship title.

Journey Through Ukraine and Armenia

After the championship, Ara moved to FC Metalurh Donetsk in Ukraine, where he had limited playing time and was frequently loaned out to Ukrainian and Armenian clubs. In 2001-2002, he played for Yerevan Spartak, which merged with Banants Yerevan to form FC Banants. After a brief stint at Stal Alchevsk, Ara joined Banants, where he became a key player, winning the Armenian Cup and earning the titles of Top Goalscorer and Player of the Year in 2003.

International Career

Ara Hakobyan made his international debut for Armenia in 1998. Over 11 years with the national team, he amassed 42 caps and scored 7 goals, ranking second among Armenian players since 1992.

Later Career and Return to Armenia

After leaving Banants, Ara spent several seasons on loan or in short stints at various clubs. In 2007, he signed with FC Illychivets, then returned to Armenia with FC Mika, Banants, and Zimbru Chisinau, before joining FC Gomel in January 2008.

Return to Ararat Yerevan

After a spell with Mika in 2009, Ara signed with FC Ulisses in early 2010 but left mid-season. In 2011, he joined Ararat Yerevan, where he established himself as a regular and instrumental player before departing before the end of the season. However, he returned to Ararat in 2012, where he remained until 2015.

Legacy

Ara Hakobyan retired from professional football in 2015. He is remembered as a versatile and skilled forward who made significant contributions to Armenian and Ukrainian football. His impact on the Armenian national team and his successful stints with Banants and Ararat Yerevan further solidifies his status as one of the most esteemed footballers in the history of Armenian football.