No Changes on the Right Flank: Hambardzumyan and Hovhannisyan Remain Armenia’s Best Right-Backs

The beginning of 2026 has brought no changes to the right-back position in Armenian football. Hovhannes Hambardzumyan (35) and Kamo Hovhannisyan (33) remain the most productive and active Armenian defenders in this role. Moreover, both continue to play key roles in two of the strongest clubs in the Armenian Premier League.

Hambardzumyan has started the new year confidently. In the first three matches of 2026 he has already scored two goals, both of which were match-winners. Overall this season the experienced defender has 3 goals and 1 assist.

Hambardzumyan made his debut for the Armenian national team back in 2010. Since then he has played 53 matches and scored 4 goals. In 2025 the defender appeared in only two games for the national team and was not called up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, though his return to the squad cannot be completely ruled out.

Kamo Hovhannisyan also continues to play an important role in Armenian football. In the first official match of 2026 he provided an assist and was one of the key players for his team. This season he has 2 goals and 3 assists.

Hovhannisyan has represented Armenia since 2012 and has already made 95 appearances, scoring 3 goals. He is currently the most experienced active player in the national team and started the last six official matches. There is a strong chance that in 2026 the defender will reach the milestone of 100 caps and become only the second player in history to achieve this with the Armenian national team. Previously only Sargis Hovsepyan reached this milestone with 133 appearances.

Is There an Alternative?

If we look at possible alternatives within the Armenian league, the list is quite limited.

The most obvious candidate is Davit Terteryan (28). He previously had a chance with the national team, playing 11 matches in 2021–2022, but failed to secure a permanent place. Nevertheless, he plays consistently at club level: for the second season in a row Terteryan is a regular starter for Alashkert (previously Van). This season he has 14 appearances and 1 assist.

Erik Piloyan (24) regularly plays at right-back for Urartu, but in the national team he is more often considered a centre-back, especially when the team plays with three central defenders.

His teammate Khariton Ayvazyan (22) has had limited playing time this season, although he performed quite confidently in the previous championship.

Former Armenia U21 captain Narek Alaverdyan (24) has rarely played at a high level in recent years and now represents Gandzasar.

Another former youth international, Mher Tarloyan (20), after returning to Shirak is used more often in attacking positions rather than as a defender.

Promising BKMA and Armenia U21 player Alesha Khachatryan (19) is currently losing the competition at club level to Gor Arakelyan (23), who is a more defensive player and better suited for a classic full-back role rather than an attacking wing-back in a system with three central defenders.

What About the Legionnaires?

Among Armenian footballers playing abroad, there is currently no player capable of seriously challenging the veterans.

Artyom Bandikyan (20) barely received playing time in winter friendlies for CSKA Moscow and did not feature in two official matches either. Competition in midfield has increased, and he is only used as a right-back in emergency situations. In this situation, the most likely scenario is a club move in order to gain regular playing time.

Mark Gevorgyan (20) has not yet managed to establish himself in Hannover’s first team, although he performs quite confidently for the second team in the Regionalliga. The key step for him will be a full transition into senior football. For now he remains a player with great potential but without consistent high-level match practice.

Conclusion

The conclusion is clear for now: despite their age, Hambardzumyan and Hovhannisyan remain the main right-backs of Armenian football. Young players are gradually emerging, but none of them is yet ready to fully replace the experienced veterans either at club level or in the national team.

Already tomorrow, on March 6, Armenia national team head coach Yeghishe Melikyan will announce the squad (only legionnaires) for the upcoming friendly matches, where we will learn who he plans to rely on.