Arsen Petrosov: “We have everything it takes to get out of the group and keep writing history”

One of the brightest young talents in the Armenian national futsal team, Arsen Petrosov, speaks about his development, rapid rise, senior debut, and the dream of playing in Europe.

Arsen Petrosov is only 19, yet he is already being called one of the future leaders of Armenian futsal. The young forward played a key role in Armenia’s historic qualification for the Euro 2026 final stage: in six qualification matches he scored three goals and made three assists. And in recent friendlies against Spain, one of the world’s strongest national teams, he scored in both matches.

Arsen was born and raised in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. His father, Nikolay Petrosov, president of the Kamchatka Football Federation and a youth coach, became his first mentor. From a young age Arsen accompanied his father at tournaments and training camps, gradually becoming immersed in the world of sports. Later he began training under his father’s guidance — and soon began to stand out among his peers. However, since there are still no professional futsal clubs in Kamchatka, continuing his career required taking a leap into the unknown.

At 17, Arsen went for a trial with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod’s youth team. His talent was immediately recognized — he was signed without hesitation. In his first Junior League season he scored 14 goals in 12 matches, helping Torpedo-U18 finish fourth. The following season became a breakthrough one: 29 goals in 22 games and a Junior League championship title. That year Petrosov also made his debuts in both the Higher League for Torpedo-2 and in the Super League for Torpedo’s senior team.

Petrosov was called up to the Armenian national team upon recommendation from teammate Nikita Khromykh, who was already part of the national squad. The coaching staff closely studied Arsen’s performances — and soon the call-up followed, becoming a major turning point in his career.

Recently, Petrosov signed with the major Spanish agency Limones 5 Agency — an important step toward a future move to Europe.

Know Your Team #2 — Arsen Petrosov
Position: Forward
Age: 19 (June 5, 2006)
Club: Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (Russia)
Armenia National Team: 8 matches, 5 goals, 3 assists

Know Your Team is a series where we introduce the athletes who are writing a new chapter in Armenian sports. The Armenian futsal team is the first national team in the history of independent Armenia to reach the final stage of a European or world championship in any team sport.

Exclusive interview with Sportaran

— Arsen, how do you evaluate Armenia’s group at Euro 2026?

— I see our group in a positive light. We have a real chance to reach the playoffs. I haven’t played against these teams personally yet, but I know Ukraine is very strong, the Czech team has improved significantly in recent years, and Lithuania — as the host — will be extremely motivated. It will be tough for everyone. But we believe we can get out of the group — we have everything it takes.

— You recently signed with Limones 5 Agency. Is this a step toward Europe?

— Yes, definitely. They had an eye on me already during qualification, and we got in touch after the matches against Spain. I really want to try myself in Europe — that’s the goal.

— In the last round you scored a bicycle kick. Was it planned?

— It came from beach soccer. In the summer I played for the Armenian team “Monte” and scored a bicycle kick there. After that I thought I could try it in futsal. And it worked — the moment was perfect.

— Which goal for the national team was the most memorable?

— My debut goal against Denmark. Then the goal against Kazakhstan, past their legendary goalkeeper Higuita. And of course, the two goals against Spain — you don’t forget that.

— You started futsal relatively late but stood out right away. What’s the secret?

— Team play and positional understanding. In youth matches I was always in the finishing zones. The Higher League is more difficult — speed, intensity, physical battles. But I’m working and growing.

Arsen Petrosov is a clear example of how talent, courage, and readiness to take risks can open the doors to elite sport. Ahead of him are Euro 2026 and possibly a debut in one of Europe’s strongest leagues.

Which means — the story continues.