We’ve all heard of the rags to riches story, right? A boy raised from humble beginnings reaches the greatest heights of the world against all odds, all whilst starting from rock bottom. In terms of sporting spectacles of the same, especially in the football world, a certain Jamie Vardy comes to mind who started from non-league football and became a Premier League champion with Leicester City.
But move over Jamie, as there might be a new humble star in the making inspiring many with his goal-scoring abilities, and that name is none other than Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish goal machine has been a revelation for Sporting Lisbon this season (and before), as he yet again scored a hattrick this game week, this time against Premier League champions Manchester City, as his side beat Pep Guardiola’s men 4-1 in the champions league a couple of nights ago.
The Swedish No. 9 is already a fan favorite in Lisbon thanks to his countless goals (23 this season across all competitions) for the club and is integral to how Ruben Amorim’s team plays on the offence by being an ever-present goal threat. However, very few strata of general football fans might be aware of the fact that the Swedish striker played for the mighty Coventry City in the EFL Championship back in the day.
So, how did the 26-year-old achieve such fast-paced progress in such a short period of time? Today we get more into that context as we dissect, analyze, and discuss the heroic rise and journey of the man of the moment right now—Viktor Gyökeres.
Early Life and Background
Viktor Gyokeres was born on June 4, 1998, in Upplands Väsby, Sweden. He developed an early interest in football and joined IFK Aspudden-Tellus as a young child. Gyokeres’ parents, including his father, Stefan Gyokeres, have been supportive but keep a low profile, allowing Viktor to focus on his career. Growing up in Sweden, Gyokeres displayed immense talent in football from an early age, which led him to join the youth ranks of IF Brommapojkarna, one of Sweden’s most famous youth academies. His rapid development at Brommapojkarna caught the attention of top European clubs, which led him to continue his career in England.
Professional Career
Gyokeres made his professional debut with IF Brommapojkarna in the Swedish league, quickly establishing himself as a promising young forward. In 2018, he moved to Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League, although his time there primarily involved loans, including stints with German club FC St. Pauli and Swansea City in the English Championship. It was at Coventry City, where he joined on a permanent transfer in 2021, that Gyokeres truly began to shine, scoring 21 goals in 44 Championship appearances during the 2022–23 season.
In 2023, the Swedish striker signed with Sporting CP for a club-record fee of €20 million, marking him as the club’s most expensive signing. Since joining Sporting, he has become a key player, impressing in the Portuguese Primeira Liga and the Champions League. His clinical finishing and physical presence have attracted interest from top European clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and many more.
Salary, Contract, and Agent
According to the data available, his weekly salary at Sporting CP is €48,000, which comes to a seasonal salary of around €2.5 million. This reflects his growing stature after his successful spell at Coventry City, where he showcased his goal-scoring abilities in the Championship. (Stats from Aiscore)
His contract with Sporting CP is set to run until 2028, solidifying his place as a key player for the club. Gyökeres is represented by Hasan Cetinkaya of HCM Sports Management, a prominent agency that also represents high-profile athletes.
Cetinkaya also played a significant role in his client’s high-profile move to Sporting CP. His connections across European clubs have helped position Viktor for potential future moves, with rumors linking him to top clubs across Europe.
Style of Play
Standing at 6’2” (1.87 m), his physicality, agility, and dribbling skills make him a versatile threat in the attacking third. Known for his “ice-cold” finishing and ability to break defenses with pace, he’s a constant worry for defenders and often compared to top European forwards. Gyokeres’ playing style has been described as a mix of traditional and modern striker elements. His physical attributes make him a formidable presence, especially in one-on-one situations. Known for his “relentless pressing” and “clinical finishing,” he often terrorizes defenders with his aggressive play. His versatility allows him to operate both centrally and on the wings, offering his team tactical flexibility. He is also praised for his high work rate and adaptability, qualities that have helped him stand out in leagues as diverse as the English Championship and the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
FC 25 Rating & Shirt Number
The Swedish assassin’s rating on FC 25 is 84, with the potential of reaching 87. He has a 5-star weak foot on this game and has high numbers on attributes like shot power, finishing, strength, and even sprint speed—all necessary attributes for a perfect striker for your FC25 team. His shirt number at Sporting CP is #9, symbolizing his position as their main striker. (stats from Sofifa)
His iconic celebration
If there’s one thing Gyökeres fans look forward to besides his goals, it’s his unique and cryptic goal celebration, where he crosses both hands over his mouth like he’s keeping a very big, very mischievous secret. Coventry teammate Josh Eccles once speculated that Gyökeres’ gesture was inspired by Hannibal Lecter, noting how “Viktor destroys defenses,” similar to how Lecter, well, famously deals with his foster himself, hasn’t let anyone in on the real meaning. When fans guessed it might be inspired by Hannibal or even Batman, Gyökeres smiled and said, “It’s a secret… but not today.” Keeping fans and interviewers guessing, he promised to reveal the meaning if Sporting wins the league title. And just when things couldn’t get more mysterious, he dropped a Bane quote on Instagram, leading fans to wonder if Gotham’s menacing villain is behind it all.
Notable Honors
Gyökeres may still be early in his career, but his award cabinet is filling up quickly. Starting with a Superettan title at IF Brommapojkarna in 2017, Gyökeres went on to win the Primeira Liga with Sporting CP in 2023-24, solidifying his status as a top European talent.
On the individual front, he was a star in the EFL Championship, earning spots on both the Team of the Season and PFA Team of the Year in 2022–23, along with two Player of the Month awards. His move to the Primeira Liga only escalated his acclaim—he claimed the league’s Top Scorer and Player of the Year for 2023-24, along with multiple Player and Forward of the Month accolades.
From his early Golden Boot at the UEFA Under-19s to his decorated 2023-24 season, Gyökeres has gone from prospect to powerhouse in European football, and his trophy cabinet shows he’s just getting started.
Personal Life & Future Prospects
Viktor Gyökeres, born and raised in Sweden, carries Hungarian heritage through his grandfather, adding depth to his identity both on and off the field. In his personal life, Gyökeres was notably in a long-term relationship with fellow professional footballer Amanda Nildén. The two met during their early playing days at IF Brommapojkarna in Stockholm, and their bond strengthened when Viktor moved to Brighton in 2018. Amanda soon joined Brighton’s women’s team, proving they were a match both in football and in life.
However, in January 2024, Viktor’s personal life took a new turn when he was reported to be in a relationship with Portuguese actress Inês Aguiar, bringing a touch of celebrity intrigue to his story. His journey, shaped by his heritage and dynamic personal connections, keeps fans captivated both on the pitch and off.
His stellar start with Sporting CP has attracted interest from major European clubs, including Premier League and La Liga teams. With Hasan Cetinkaya managing his career, Gyokeres is well-positioned for a big move in the future. Given his performance trajectory and market value, it would not be surprising to see him make headlines with a potential transfer to a top-five European league.
As a fairly young, in-form striker who has already transitioned from English football to shine in Portugal, Gyokeres embodies the modern footballer’s adaptability. Fans and analysts alike are keeping a close watch on his journey, speculating on where he might take his talents next.
Viktor Gyökeres’ journey is one of growth, adaptability, and ambition. From the fields of Stockholm to the spotlight in Europe’s elite leagues, he’s built a career with a unique blend of skill, personality, and hard work. His background, personal connections, and evolving professional life showcase a player who isn’t just talented but relatable and determined to keep pushing boundaries. As he continues to thrive, Gyökeres remains a player to watch and a rising star whose story keeps getting better.
