 |
Youri DjorkaeffFrench footballer of Armenian descent, attacking midfielder
Date of Birth: 09.03.1968
Country:  France |
Content:
- Yuri Djorkaeff: French Footballer of Armenian Descent
- Armenian Heritage and Roots
- Football Career
- International Recognition of the Armenian Genocide
- Inter Milan Connection
- Honors and Legacy
Yuri Djorkaeff: French Footballer of Armenian Descent
Yuri Djorkaeff, a former French footballer of Armenian descent, was born in 1968 in Lyon, France. His father, Jean Djorkaeff, was a renowned former footballer of Kalmyk and Polish descent, while his mother, Marie Oganyan, was Armenian.
Armenian Heritage and Roots
Yuri grew up immersed in his Armenian heritage. He fondly recalls his childhood surrounded by Armenian traditions and values, citing the strong family bonds and respect for elders. He named his younger son Ohan after his grandfather and his elder son has both Russian (Sasha) and Armenian (Aram) names.
Football Career
Djorkaeff began his professional football career in 1984, playing for various clubs throughout France, Italy, Germany, England, and the United States. He debuted for the French national team in 1993 and participated in four major tournaments (three World Cups and one European Championship), scoring a total of 28 goals for Les Bleus.
International Recognition of the Armenian Genocide
Throughout his career, Yuri Djorkaeff actively advocated for international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. In 1993, he scored a goal against Galatasaray, a Turkish club, and publicly denounced the denial of the tragedy. In 2001, he was included in the FIFA squad despite facing opposition from Turkey, who took his inclusion as a personal affront.
Inter Milan Connection
In 1996, Djorkaeff joined Inter Milan, where he earned the nickname "The Precious One." He chose Inter over rival club Barcelona, citing both his birthdate coinciding with the club's 60th anniversary and the presence of his maternal cousin, Katya Oganyan, in Milan.
Honors and Legacy
Djorkaeff was awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur in 1998 and Honorary Citizen of Armenia. He retired from football in 2006 and has expressed interest in potentially coaching the Armenian national team in the future.
