– No one cared until I put on the mask, wrote the Swede on Instagram.
But now people care about Viktor Gyökeres.
This quote has also been said by the villain Bane in the Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises. And Gyökeres’ celebration has been interpreted by many as a reference to the supervillain, without him confirming it.
The Swede celebrates with his hands clasped over his mouth when he scores – something he has done a lot lately. Most recently after he scored the 3–0 goal against Estonia on Monday. And it is precisely this that has made him a hot property in the football world right now.
GREAT FORM: Gyökeres has every reason to be pleased with his scoring form these days.
Photo: AP
– One of the best on the continent
For Gyökeres has been scoring goals and really capturing people’s attention. He has scored for both the national team in the Nations League and for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese league. When he played his first game in the Champions League, he also scored – in his eighth consecutive game.
And then it took off.
According to Aftonbladet, the French L’Equipe named the Swede the man of the match in the Champions League game against Lille, and also described him as a “monster”, “a Swedish colossus” and that he lived up to his reputation.
– The Swedish striker has scored faster than his own shadow in recent months, writes French RMC.
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LUCKY LUKE: Gyökeres has truly been in scoring form this past year.
Refusing to answer
But the meaning of the goal celebration, which has appeared time and again – yes, when he scores – he has so far kept to himself.
NRK contacted SVT, which asked Gyökeres the question on behalf of curious Norwegians.
– No, they can continue to wonder over there, replies Gyökeres with a sly smile on his face.
So one just has to continue to wonder.
SIGNATURE CELEBRATION: This is how Gyökeres celebrates after each goal.
Photo: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA
SIGNATURE CELEBRATION: This is how Gyökeres celebrates after each goal.
– Gyökeres may not be as high-profile as Erling Haaland, or an established name like Victor Osimhen, but that shouldn’t hold the striker back from establishing himself as one of the best on the continent.
Last season, he scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 matches for Sporting Lisbon.
So far this season, he has 16 goals in ten league matches for the club, two goals in the Champions League, and three goals for the Swedish national team this season.
That’s almost as good statistics as Haaland, who has 11 goals in ten matches for Manchester City. Haaland also has three goals for the national team – most recently two against Slovenia, which secured him the scoring record for the national team.
COMPARED TO: Erling Braut Haaland
– It will be a tough test for us. Extremely good opposition. It will be interesting. But we are also very good and in good form. So of course we are going out to do our best and make sure we perform well, says Gyökeres.
Gyökeres and Sporting Lisbon meet Haaland and Manchester City on November 5 in the Champions League.
Published
05.11.2024, at 18.37
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Good day! Today, we have with us a football expert, Dr. Emma Nilsson, who specializes in sports psychology and player performance analysis. Thank you for joining us, Emma!
Dr. Emma Nilsson (E.N.): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss Viktor Gyökeres and his remarkable journey.
T.E.: Let’s dive right in. Recently, Viktor Gyökeres has become a sensational figure in football, especially with his unique goal celebration that has sparked quite a discussion. What do you think has contributed to his rise in popularity, particularly following his goal against Estonia?
E.N.: Gyökeres’ rise is truly fascinating. His goal celebration—clasping his hands over his mouth—has drawn comparisons to the character Bane from The Dark Knight Rises. This reference to a supervillain creates a certain mystique around him. Celebrations in sports often carry profound personal or cultural significance, and it seems that Gyökeres has managed to harness this to make a statement, intriguing fans and drawing attention to himself.
T.E.: Indeed, there’s a level of theatricality that can engage audiences. Throw in his impressive scoring record—he’s scored consistently for both his national team and Sporting Lisbon—and it’s clear why people are starting to take notice. How do you think this combination of his performance on the pitch and the media attention creates pressure for him as a player?
E.N.: Exceptional performance brings expectations. On one hand, the adrenaline of scoring and the excitement from fans can be motivating. However, on the other, there’s the fear of the pressure leading to burnout or underperformance. Players often navigate an intense psychological landscape where their self-worth can be tied to their success on the field.
T.E.: That’s a critical point. Gyökeres himself has expressed some playful secrecy regarding the meaning behind his celebration, providing an air of mystery. From a psychological standpoint, how does maintaining this ambiguity serve him?
E.N.: Maintaining this ambiguity can be a powerful psychological tool. By not revealing the meaning behind his celebration, Gyökeres keeps fans and the media guessing, which can generate additional intrigue and support. It allows him to control the narrative and potentially shields him from the pressure of public scrutiny regarding his motivations. In sports, the element of surprise and personal branding can be invaluable.
T.E.: He seems to have mastered the art of personal branding. Recently, he was named the man of the match in a Champions League game, and French media has gone so far as to call him a “monster” and a “Swedish colossus.” How important do you think public perception and media portrayal are for a player’s confidence and career trajectory?
E.N.: Public perception can be incredibly influential. Positive media portrayal can boost a player’s confidence, affirming their skills and contributions on the field. This kind of recognition serves not just to enhance their public image but can also reinforce their self-belief. Conversely, negative portrayal might sap a player’s confidence and lead to performance anxiety. It’s a fine balance, and Gyökeres currently seems to be riding that wave of positivity quite well.
T.E.: With the rapid rise in his performance level, do you foresee any challenges ahead for Gyökeres as he continues to garner attention?
E.N.: Absolutely. As he continues to excel, there will be greater scrutiny on every aspect of his game—from his celebrations to his performance in high-stakes matches. The key for him will be to manage that pressure effectively, stay grounded, and continue focusing on improvement. Engaging with a sports psychologist for tailored mental strategies could benefit him greatly during this period.
T.E.: A wise suggestion! We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on Viktor Gyökeres as his career unfolds. Thank you so much for sharing your insights today, Emma. It’s been a pleasure having you on.
E.N.: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how Gyökeres continues to develop as a player and a personality in the world of football.