Viktor Gyokeres Shines with Hat-Trick in Sporting's Win

Viktor Gyokeres has long proved his doubters wrong and his recent hat-trick in Sporting Lisbon’s 4-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League has further bolstered his growing reputation. The Swedish striker, who joined Sporting in 2023 has been in exceptional form scoring 66 goals in 67 games with 23 goals in just 17 appearances this season.

Gyokeres’ rise to prominence hasn’t been easy. He started his career at IF Brommapojkarna in Sweden where academy coaches initially overlooked him. Despite labeling him “not good enough” at 14, Gyokeres’ raw talent for scoring became evident early on. He developed into a top striker fueled by his strong work ethic, supportive family network and determination to prove his critics wrong.

As he grew stronger and more physical, Gyokeres sharpened his skills gaining recognition for his ability to break through defenses with his pace and finishing. After stints at Brighton and loans to clubs including Swansea, St Pauli and Coventry, Gyokeres made his mark at Coventry City. There, he scored 39 goals cementing his role as a key figure for the Sky Blues.

His performances attracted attention from bigger clubs and he eventually secured a permanent move to Sporting. Gyokeres’ impressive form has sparked increased interest from Premier League clubs, with Manchester United frequently mentioned as a potential destination.

His former academy scout, David Eklund admits he never expected Viktor Gyokeres to reach the top but always believed he would succeed at a high level due to his mentality and dedication. Now, with his performances on the European stage, Gyokeres is ready to take the next step in his career and pursue a move to even bigger clubs.