Alfredo Amarillo Kechichian — the first Armenian in the history of FC Barcelona

The history of world football contains many names of players of Armenian descent who achieved success outside their historical homeland. One of them was Alfredo Amarillo Kechichian — a Uruguayan with Armenian roots who became the first footballer of Armenian origin to play for FC Barcelona.

Today, another player with Armenian roots features for the Catalan club — Roony Bardghji, who represents the Swedish national team. Neither Kechichian nor Bardghji had a direct connection with Armenia at national-team level; however, their heritage is part of the broad and rich history of the Armenian diaspora in world sport.

Roots and youth in Uruguay

Alfredo Kechichian was born in Montevideo in January 1953 into a family of Armenian origin. His surname is typical of the Armenian diaspora in Latin America, where many families emigrated in the early 20th century.

Kechichian  began his football career at Nacional Montevideo, one of the most decorated clubs in South America. From a young age, he stood out for his physical strength, stamina, and ability to operate effectively along the flank — qualities that soon attracted the attention of European clubs.

Spain: Real Valladolid as a springboard

In 1973, on his father’s advice, Kechichian moved to Spain and signed a contract with Real Valladolid. It was there that he developed into a high-level European player.

In Valladolid he was remembered as a versatile footballer: he started as an attacking wide player but gradually moved deeper, covering the entire flank and contributing at both ends of the pitch. Teammates and coaches noted his exceptional physical conditioning and fighting spirit.

A historic move to Barcelona

In the summer of 1976, Barcelona head coach Rinus Michels personally insisted on signing Kechichian . The Catalans paid around 12–15 million pesetas for him — a significant sum at the time.

Thus, Alfredo Kechichian became the first footballer of Armenian origin in the history of FC Barcelona.

At the Catalan club, he found himself among legends:

• Johan Cruyff
• Johan Neeskens
• Cholo Sotil

Kechichian played 50 official matches for Barça, won the Copa del Rey, and left a strong impression despite fierce competition for places.

A goal that entered European history

On 28 November 1976, in a Spanish league match against Valencia, Kechichian scored one of the most spectacular goals in the club’s history — a powerful first-time volley from outside the penalty area.

The goal was voted the best goal of the month in Europe and was shown for a long time in football highlight reels across the continent.

One step away from the World Cup

After obtaining Spanish citizenship, Kechichian was called up to the extended squad of the Spanish national team, which was being prepared for the 1978 World Cup by Ladislao Kubala. He was considered the main candidate for the left-back position.

However, at the last moment it emerged that in his youth Kechichian had already played for Uruguay’s youth national team, which under FIFA rules deprived him of the right to represent another national team. As a result, he missed the chance to play at a World Cup.

The end of his career and life after football

After a loan spell at Salamanca, Kechichian moved to Espanyol, then spent a short period in Mexico, but ultimately finished his playing career back home in Uruguay. There, he became a mentor to young players at Danubio, including future star Rubén Sosa.

Today, Alfredo Kechichian lives in Montevideo but remains closely connected to Spain: his children and grandchildren live in Barcelona, and he continues to follow the matches of Barcelona and Real Valladolid.

From Kechichian to Bardghji

Almost half a century after Kechichian’s debut for Barcelona, another footballer with Armenian roots appeared at the club — Roony Bardghji, who plays for the Swedish national team.

Neither player has represented Armenia at international level, but their heritage highlights an important truth: for decades, the Armenian diaspora has contributed to the history of world football — including the history of one of the greatest clubs on the planet.

Video: juanlansvol

It is interesting that Alfredo Kechichian has relatives in Yerevan. One of his relatives, Grigor Keshishyan (born in 1960), was also a football player and played in the championship of the Armenian SSR for "Kotaik", "Dinamo Yerevan" and the double "Ararat", and later in the championship of Armenia.