Roman Avakian Gomez called up to USA U17 after representing Armenia and Mexico

Armenian footballer Roman Avakian Gomez has been called up to the USA U17 national team for an upcoming international camp in Spain.

The American team will take part in a tournament in Murcia, where it will play four friendly matches against the Netherlands, France, Scotland and Belgium. Avakian’s call-up to the U.S. squad was also confirmed by his club, German side Mainz.

The 16-year-old is therefore continuing an unusual journey at international level. He has previously represented the youth national teams of Armenia and Mexico, and now has the opportunity to play for the United States.

Avakyan was born in the United States and has Armenian roots through his father, while his mother is Mexican. His background gives him ties to all three countries.

Roman represented Armenia at two youth levels. In 2024, he played for the U14 team at the UEFA Development Tournament, and a year later he took part in a U15 national-team tournament in Yerevan. Avakian  scored against Uzbekistan and also converted his attempt in the post-match penalty shootout against Georgia.

In March 2026, the footballer switched national teams at youth level and was called up to Mexico U16, with whom he took part in an international tournament in France.

Avakian has now received his first call-up to the USA U17 national team.

At club level, Roman plays for Mainz U17. The German club lists him as a defender, although Avakian is a versatile player who can operate on the left side of defence and midfield, as well as on the right wing in attack.

The upcoming camp will mark the third national-team pathway of Avakian ’s youth career: Armenia U14/U15, Mexico U16 and now USA U17.