Rebrov: Gyokeres is one of Europe’s best strikers

Was it inspired by a superhero or a supervillain? The Batman-versus-Bane debate, over Viktor Gyokeres’s captivating goal celebration, went on for years. So, too, did the dispute over whether the striker would end up a hero or flop. Gyokeres yo-yoed from the next big thing to failing to make it at Brighton and having unfruitful spells in the German and English second divisions. Then he began firing for Coventry City and, while at Sporting, finished as world football’s leading marksman for 2024, 13 clear of runner-up Erling Haaland. A huge move to Arsenal ensued, but Gyokeres failed to hit the ground running. Under sizeable pressure, the Stockholmer suddenly found his scoring boots in January and February to propel the Gunners push for domestic and European titles. The seesawing story was similar for Sweden. Gyokeres debuted amid considerable hype, struggled in his first four years in yellow, struck 10 goals in seven games in 2024, and failed to net in four appearances the following year. He went into his first international of 2026 under considerable pressure. So, too, did his country. Sweden had finished bottom of their group in UEFA qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, managing merely two points from a possible 18 and only sneaking into the play-offs via their Nations League record. They had to face Ukraine without Juventus defender Emil Holm, Liverpool forward Alexander Isak.

“The pressure doesn’t bother me,” insisted Gyokeres. “I don’t think about it. As a striker, I just try to focus on scoring goals.” And that he did in Valencia. The 27-year-old hit a heroic hat-trick to earn a morale-boosting, final-clinching 3-1 victory. “Viktor’s performance was incredible,” said Sweden coach Graham Potter. “Outside of the goals – because to score a hat-trick is one thing – I thought overall his hold up play and his defensive responsibility for the team was part of an incredible performance. “Viktor’s performance is the highlight and rightly gets the headlines. He was incredible. But he will say the team behind him are also top.”

One of the men behind him had high praise for the No9. “I’m very happy for him because I know how hard he works,” said Anthony Elanga. “He’s a fantastic player. He’s great to play alongside. I have a good understanding with him. He’s one of the best strikers around.” Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov was in agreement: “Gyokeres was great and made the difference. He showed his quality, why he plays for Arsenal and why he is one of the best strikers in Europe.”

Gyokeres will now go up against one of the best strikers Europe has ever produced. Robert Lewandowski made it 89 goals in 162 Poland caps to help them eliminate Albania from behind. The Arsenal and Barcelona stars will collide in a transfixing shootout at the Strawberry Arena in Solna on Tuesday. “Ukraine were very tough opponents,” said Gyokeres. “It was an extremely important match, but now the Poland match is even bigger. “I dream about the World Cup. The whole squad does. It’s the competition everyone dreams of playing in. Poland are in our way, so we have to do everything we can to beat them.

“Getting off to a good start was crucial [against Ukraine]. It sets the tone, gives you momentum. We need to do the same against Poland.” Gyokeres finally addressed the Batman-versus-Bane debate earlier this year. He has also emphatically answered questions over his status. Gyokeres may celebrate like a villain, but he’s an unquestionable hero.