Viktor Gyokeres: Unmasking Football's Most Mysterious Goal Machine

Throughout Viktor Gyökeres's inaugural season with Sporting CP, one particular tale circulated widely in Portugal's entertainment media.
The story suggested that the Swedish forward suffered a tennis defeat against his former partner Amanda Nildén, herself a professional player for Tottenham Hotspur, during a vacation. Following this loss, Gyökeres allegedly had such an explosive outburst that it spoiled the remainder of their getaway.
Following an extensive interview covering various serious subjects, Aftonbladet's Simon Bank felt compelled to question Gyökeres about the validity of this rather embarrassing piece of gossip.
"That's accurate," he acknowledged with a shrug. While it may not have destroyed the entire vacation, Gyökeres verified that he gave Nildén the silent treatment for "half a day or so". Showing no embarrassment about his John McEnroe-like behavior, the competitive athlete explained that he "wasn't as skilled at tennis" and emphasized: "It was fortunate."
According to his own account, this intense drive for victory has always consumed Gyökeres. This explains his goal-scoring rate of one every 87 minutes over two seasons, Arsenal's investment of over £63 million ($86 million) for his transfer, and why tennis rackets will be kept away from him in north London.
The Reluctant One-Man Team

"It was my parents' choice, not my own," Gyökeres shared with UEFA when recalling his hesitant start in organized football at IFK Aspudden-Tellus at age five. "They believed I should practice with a squad, which initially didn't appeal to me."
With his father Stefan serving as a coach, young Viktor quickly found his love for the game. Sometimes, that passion burned too intensely.
"We had two squads at Aspudden, one slightly superior and another weaker, but I wanted to participate in both," Gyökeres later shared with Aftonbladet. "I managed that, despite having to allow others to play my usual role. I remained involved, whether as a central midfielder, defender, or occasionally goalkeeper."
Today it still appears as if Gyökeres occupies several positions simultaneously. A perpetual whirlwind of elevated knees and swinging arms, the powerful striker hasn't abandoned his tendency to roam across the field. "I competed in a weaker squad for several years during my youth and had to handle much independently," Gyökeres reflected. "I believe that instills the mindset that you must take control personally."
Shift to Simplicity
Despite his youth-level scoring record, Gyökeres was viewed as just another talented prospect emerging from Brommapojkarna's (BP) development system. "The academy director claimed he lacked sufficient ability," BP's youth scout David Eklund informed the BBC. "He never displayed the star quality of someone like Dejan Kulusevski."
While the future Spurs attacker would later excel in Serie A, Gyökeres was acquired by Brighton & Hove Albion.
Throughout loan periods in Germany's and England's second divisions, Gyökeres battled for playing time, much less scoring opportunities. During an especially difficult four-month period at Swansea City, Arsenal's new signing couldn't displace former England C international Jamal Lowe from the first team.
Gyökeres's circumstances improved after leaving the loan system to join Coventry City permanently in summer 2021. That stability provided much-needed confidence. Each game was no longer a trial. Without constantly proving his worth, he could concentrate on fundamentals.
"Early in my career, I was creating distractions for myself," Gyökeres reflected during a L'Équipe interview this summer. "By eliminating overthinking during matches, I made my play more straightforward and natural. This goal obsession, which has always driven me, became central to my approach again. I focus solely on scoring and winning; it transforms everything."
As Peter Kisfaludy, one of his Swedish youth mentors, explained to The Athletic, "He is completely merciless."
Sporting recognized this relentless quality and brought him to Lisbon in 2023 despite interest from Fulham and West Ham United. Gyökeres satisfied his insatiable appetite for goals with an incredible tally of 97 in 102 matches, each celebrated with his trademark mask gesture. That facade of cold determination softened when the appealing prospect of settling past grievances was mentioned.
'Great Revenge'

Brighton have recorded far more successes than failures in transfer dealings, but Gyökeres's notable setback—or rather, his lack of opportunity to even attempt success—remains puzzling.
"Athletes mature at varying paces," Brighton chief executive Paul Barber cautioned The Athletic last year. "In 2021, when Viktor transferred to Coventry, his route forward here wasn't evident and, with his contract expiring, he sought stability.
"We must acknowledge the sale decision for what it represented then—beneficial for the player and the club." There's no resentment toward a player who received only eight appearances during three-and-a-half years at the club. "Viktor's subsequent achievements are remarkable," Barber acknowledged.
Gyökeres harbors no specific resentment toward Brighton either. "I lacked the quality to establish myself there," he has since acknowledged. "To perform effectively, you require a supportive atmosphere. At that time, that wasn't my situation."
However, he maintains animosity toward the league that denied him opportunities. "I spent multiple years there unable to feature in a single [Premier League] fixture," Gyökeres noted before joining Arsenal. "Naturally, it's something I'm eager to experience. It would represent excellent payback!"