For the first time in history, Armenia’s futsal team has qualified for the European Championship. In the decisive qualification match, the team secured an impressive 4-2 victory over one of the world's strongest teams, Kazakhstan. One of the key players in this historic success was Hamlet Manukyan.
Hamlet Manukyan has been playing for Armenia’s national team since 2019. In 2025, Armenia achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for Euro 2026 for the first time.
Previously, Hamlet played in Russia, but he currently competes in the Armenian league for Unisport and ranks second in the top scorers' list with 23 goals.
Sportaran.com spoke with him about the victory, his emotions, and his journey in futsal.
"Hamlet, tell us about your first emotions after the victory over Kazakhstan and qualifying for the Euro?"
— Indescribable emotions! I had never experienced anything like this before. I’m incredibly happy for our team, our country, and our people. Messages of support came from all over the world. This feeling will stay with me forever—I’ll be telling my grandchildren and children about it!
"What was the first thing you did after the match?"
— We danced in the locker room to Armenian songs! Then the whole team—coaches, players, and staff—went to a restaurant to celebrate the victory. But the next day, we realized we needed to work even harder to perform well at the Euro.
"How did you feel before the game? Were you nervous?"
— Of course, there were nerves. But as soon as the whistle blew, they disappeared. We all understood that we had to win to secure first place in the group and avoid the playoffs. On the court, there was belief in each other, support, focus, and, of course, the incredible energy of our fans!
"What is the secret behind Armenia’s futsal success?"
— First and foremost, it’s the family spirit we have built in the team. The Armenian Football Federation, President Armen Melikbekyan, and Vice President Arsen Nikoghosyan have also played a huge role in developing futsal. And, of course, our head coach, Ruben Ashotovich Nazaretyan, and his staff, who have step by step taken Armenian futsal to a new level.
"How did you join Armenia’s national team?"
— I made my debut in matches against Romania, where we lost 3-5 and 1-5. I was noticed while playing in Russia’s Higher League, in a match against Spartak. Garegin Mashumyan played against me, and both he and the coaching staff appreciated my game and invited me to the national team. I was as happy as a kid getting candy!
"You mentioned that before your national team debut, you worked at a factory. Where exactly?"
— Yes, I worked because I played for a team where all the players were employees of the company. I worked at the Kalinin Plant (ZIK) in Yekaterinburg as a CNC machine operator, making parts for precision weapons. We worked from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and after that, we had training from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
"Do you still have to balance futsal with work?"
— No, now I am fully focused on futsal. I need to develop for the benefit of the national team and my club.
"You recently moved to the Armenian league. How would you assess its level?"
— The top 3-4 teams have a good level, but the rest still need to improve. I believe the league will grow over time, and the Federation is doing everything to support that.
"Who are you closest to in the national team?"
— I try to stay in touch with everyone and respect all my teammates. I most often share a room with our goalkeeper Emin—he also plays for Unisport.
"You have loyal fans. Who are they?"
— Yes, there are many! Friends from Yekaterinburg, fans from Russia, my football community "Ani Armenia," and, of course, workers from the Kalinin Plant, where I used to play and work.
"Tell us about yourself: where are you from, and how did you start playing futsal?"
— I was born and raised in Yekaterinburg. I’ve been playing futsal since I was 8 years old and joined the Viz-Sinara club system at 10. One summer, I tried playing big football with Ural. But at 17, I chose futsal because my heart belongs to it. As they say, football is played for money, but futsal is played for love!
Hamlet Manukyan and Armenia’s national team are already making history, but the biggest challenge lies ahead—their performance at Euro 2026. We will be cheering for them!
Hamlet actively runs his Telegram channel. You can subscribe and follow his updates.
Euro 2026 in futsal will take place in two arenas—Riga and Kaunas—from January 16 to February 8. A total of 16 teams will compete in the tournament.
