Lucas Zelarayán

Youth career and Belgrano

Born in Córdoba, Argentina, Zelarayán was nicknamed "El Chino" (The Chinese) from his childhood and kept the nickname during his career. He played his youth football at Las Estrellas, Universitario, and Atalaya, and is a Belgrano youth graduate. He made his senior debut on 25 April 2012, coming on as a second-half substitute for Lucas Parodi in a 2–1 away loss against Rosario Central, for the season's Copa Argentina. Zelarayán made his Primera División debut on 2 March 2013, replacing Jorge Velázquez in a 2–0 away loss against Newell's Old Boys. His first professional goal came on 7 April of the following year, as he scored the winner in a 2–1 home defeat of River Plate. On 5 December 2014, after becoming a regular starter, Zelarayán extended his contract until 2018. On 5 December 2015, amid transfer speculation, Zelarayán played his last game for Belgrano, versus Colón in the Liguilla Pre Sudamericana, where he was given the captain's armband and an emotional farewell by the fans. Over 55,000 spectators chanted his name in unison to bid him farewell.

Tigres UANL

On 21 December 2015, Zelarayán agreed to a contract with Liga MX side Tigres UANL, signing for a reported 5.5 million. He debuted for the club the following 10 January, replacing Rafael Sóbis in a 1–0 loss at Toluca. Zelarayán scored his first goal abroad on 5 February 2016, netting the last in a 3–1 win at Chiapas. On 22 January 2017, he scored a brace in a 4–2 home win…

Born in Argentina, Zelarayán is of Armenian descent through his father. He received an invitation to represent the Armenia national team in June 2020. After accepting the invitation in October 2021, he made his debut for the team in a 1–1 draw against Iceland during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. On 16 June 2023, Zelarayán scored his first international goals in a 4–2 win away to Wales in UEFA Euro 2024 qualification. In the reverse fixture on 18 November, he netted after five minutes in a 1–1 draw.

Zelarayán is an attacking midfielder who has played in a variety of positions, including on the winger and in central midfield. Known for his technique, vision, passing, and free-kick ability, he is capable of contributing both as a playmaker and a goal scorer. His positioning and ball control allow him to create scoring opportunities through dribbling, long-range shooting, and final passes.

Zelarayán is a fan of Belgrano and grew up supporting them. He lists his idols as Juan Román Riquelme and Paolo Frangipane.