Viktor Gyökeres keeps scoring in Portugal. After eight matches, the tally for Sporting Portugal and Sweden stands at eleven goals and five assists this season.
Once again, the 26-year-old striker Viktor Gyökeres has proven his worth, this time against Arouca, scoring confidently from the penalty spot.
His impressive form is not limited to club football on the international stage, Gyökeres has been equally effective. In recent matches for Sweden, he continued to find the back of the net with ease. Last Sunday, he scored twice in Sweden’s 3-0 win over Estonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier, showcasing his ability to shine in crucial moments. Just a few days earlier, he was instrumental in Sweden’s 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan, scoring yet again to contribute to his national team’s success.
The Swedish forward’s transfer to Sporting in the summer of 2023 for a significant fee of 24 million euros has already proven to be one of the smartest pieces of business the Portuguese club has conducted in recent years. Leaving Coventry City, where he had built a solid reputation in the English Championship, Gyökeres arrived in Lisbon with high expectations. From the very beginning, he integrated seamlessly into the team, quickly establishing himself as a key player in Sporting's attacking lineup. His combination of speed, physical presence, and clinical finishing made him an instant hit in the Primeira Liga.
In his debut season with Sporting, Gyökeres delivered sensational performances, scoring an extraordinary 43 goals in just 50 appearances across all competitions. His contributions were pivotal in Sporting’s triumphant 2023-2024 campaign, which saw the club secure the Portuguese league title. His ability to score in key matches, combined with his relentless work rate, made him a fan favorite at the Estádio José Alvalade. His goals were instrumental not only in domestic competitions but also in European campaigns, where Sporting aimed to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
Sporting’s form has been equally impressive in the 2024-2025 season, with Gyökeres continuing to play a leading role. The team has made a blistering start to the new season, winning all five of their opening league matches. During this run, they have scored 19 goals while only conceding two, demonstrating their dominance in both attack and defense. Gyökeres has been at the heart of this successful run, contributing with goals and assists, cementing his reputation as one of the league's most feared strikers. His partnership with other attacking players, such as Pedro Gonçalves and Marcus Edwards, has turned Sporting’s attack into a formidable force.
This run of form has come at a crucial time as Sporting prepares for their return to the UEFA Champions League. The team faces a challenging group stage, and their upcoming clash with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven on October 1st will be an early test of their ambitions in Europe’s premier competition. Sporting’s fans will be hoping that Gyökeres can carry his domestic form into the Champions League, where the club is aiming to make a deep run after several seasons of rebuilding.
Gyökeres’ rise has been remarkable, and his move to Sporting represents a major step up in his career. After excelling in the Championship with Coventry City, where he helped guide the team to a playoff final in the 2022-2023 season, he now has the platform to showcase his talents on a bigger stage. His versatility as a forward capable of playing as a central striker or dropping deeper to link up with midfielders has added a new dimension to Sporting’s attack, making them one of the most dangerous teams in Portugal.
With the season still in its early stages, Gyökeres’ potential impact remains vast. Sporting is targeting not just domestic success but also a strong showing in Europe, where the likes of Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid set the standard. For Gyökeres, it is an opportunity to solidify his status as a top-tier European striker. If he continues at this pace, it wouldn’t be surprising to see bigger clubs in Europe take notice of his talents.
As Sporting’s top striker, the responsibility rests on Gyökeres to maintain his scoring streak and continue leading the line. His contributions will be vital if Sporting hopes to challenge for another league title and make an impact in the Champions League. For now, though, Sporting fans are enjoying the prolific form of their new star, who has quickly become one of the most important players at the club.
