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FBL-AWARD-BALLON D'OR-2025AFP
Tom Bellwood

'Football is falling off' - Social media stunned after Arsenal new boy Viktor Gyokeres wins Gerd Muller award for best striker in Europe

V. Gyoekeres
Arsenal
Premier League
Sporting CP
Sweden

Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres has caused a stir after landing the Gerd Muller award at the prestigious Ballon d'Or ceremony, where he was crowned Europe's best striker. Many have been left wondering how he could land such an illustrious title and complained online, but Gyokeres has pipped all the challengers by virtue of his goals tally for previous club Sporting Lisbon and for Sweden.

  • Viktor-y for Gyokeres

    It was a night to remember for Gyokeres after a stunning 12 months for club and country. The Sweden international scored 54 goals in 52 games, won the Primeira Liga and Taça de Portugal (Portuguese Cup), he also won top scorer and was voted the Primeira Liga Player of the Year. He then signed for Arsenal in a £55 million ($74.3m) this summer. 

  • Athletic Club v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1Getty Images Sport

    Not everyone is happy Gyokeres won the title

    Manchester City fan account 17 said: "Viktor Gyokeres winning the Gerd Muller trophy. Football is falling off."

    Another fan, The Empress, added: "Gyokeres Best Male Striker ??? Collectively, as a generation I have to ask What in God’s name are we doing?"

    Palace fan RwlCPFC said: "Gyokeres over Kane for best Striker is actually bloody mental."

    Arsenal supporter AFC Gunman was happy to celebrate, saying: "Best player in the world I want all Spurs fans now to call him Sir Victor Gyokeres when you make a tweet MBE VIKTOR."

    And another Gunners fan took the chance to have a dig at boss Mikel Arteta: "Imagine having this demon and fail to create a system suitable for him."

  • Gyokeres has big plans for Arsenal

    Gyokeres said during his acceptance speech: "To be able to stand here is amazing. I was always hungry for goals. It's honour to receive (best striker) award. It has been a tough moment, but still I stand here. Now I start new stage in my career at Arsenal, create some special memories."

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    What next for Gyokeres?

    The Swede will take time to savour the moment on stage at the Ballon d'Or awards, but he knows what went before will count for nothing unless he can recreate that for for Arsenal. Three goals in five games is not a bad return, but his performances have been below-par and Arteta has acknowledged his striker needs better service.