Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, with major clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich reportedly keen on his signature.
At just 26, the Swedish international has already turned heads with his incredible goal-scoring prowess, netting 29 goals in 33 league games last season to secure Sporting’s 20th Primeira Liga title.
This season, Gyokeres has continued his remarkable form, scoring 25 goals in 22 matches across all competitions. His rise has been meteoric since his move from Coventry City, where his performances caught the attention of elite European clubs.
In an interview with UEFA.com ahead of Sporting’s Champions League clash with Club Brugge, Gyokeres revealed the two legendary players he has always admired—Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The players I looked up to were Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Cristiano Ronaldo,” he shared. “It’s about how they performed on the pitch. They went the extra mile, which impressed me. I wanted to do similar things on the pitch.”
Gyokeres credited his physicality, sharp finishing, and instinct for being in the right place at the right time as his standout qualities.
“In today’s football, you need to be physically strong, have a knack for scoring, and work well with teammates. My three best qualities are my physique, finishing, and positioning.”
Though the Swedish forward remains grounded, he acknowledged the speculation surrounding his future. With Ruben Amorim recently leaving Sporting to manage Manchester United, rumors have intensified about Gyokeres following his former coach to Old Trafford. Sporting is reportedly willing to part ways with their star striker next summer for a fee of £63 million.
Gyokeres, however, keeps a level-headed approach to his career. “When you receive negative criticism, you have to take it with a pinch of salt and not take it too seriously. You shouldn’t get ahead of yourself when things are going well, and you shouldn’t feel pushed down when things go badly,” he explained.
Despite his rising fame, Gyokeres avoids comparing himself to other forwards. “If I were to give advice to other forwards, it would be this: don’t compare yourself to others. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing for a big club at the same age—focus on yourself and keep working. Time flies if you do things right.”
With his combination of humility, ambition, and extraordinary talent, Gyokeres seems destined to join the ranks of Europe’s elite players. Whether that will include a move to Manchester United or another top club remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—the future is bright for this Swedish sensation.