Andranik Teymourian
A tenacious midfielder who broke barriers as the first Christian captain of Iran's national football team.
Born 1983 (age 43)·Iranian footballer·Birthday: March 6·Millennials
Biography
Andranik Teymourian's career on the pitch is a story of quiet resilience and historic firsts. An Armenian-Iranian Christian born in Tehran, he navigated a sporting landscape where his faith marked him as an exception. His professional journey began in Iran before a bold move to Bolton Wanderers in the English Premier League in 2006, making him a rare Iranian export to England's top flight at the time. A hard-working, defensive-minded midfielder, his time at Bolton and later at Fulham showcased his adaptability and grit. His true landmark moments, however, came while wearing the jersey of Team Melli, Iran's national squad. Not only was he a consistent selection across multiple World Cup qualifying campaigns and the 2006 Asian Games, but in 2009, he was entrusted with the captain's armband, becoming the first non-Muslim to lead the team. This act, more than any goal, cemented his legacy as a figure of national unity, respected for his character and professionalism as much as his tackles and passes.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andranik was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andranik Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Andranik's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Became the first Christian to captain the Iran national football team in 2009.
- Played in the English Premier League for Bolton Wanderers and later for Fulham.
- Was a key member of the Iranian squad that won the bronze medal at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha.
- Represented Iran in multiple FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Did You Know?
He is of Armenian descent and is a member of Iran's Armenian Christian community.
His nickname among fans and teammates is 'Ando'.
Before moving to England, he played for several clubs in Iran's Persian Gulf Pro League, including Esteghlal and Saipa.
He holds the record for one of the fastest red cards in Premier League history, sent off after just 76 seconds for Bolton in 2007.
“I played for my country with all my heart, no matter the name on my back.”
