Spain’s media take aim at Viktor Gyokeres for ‘inexplicable’ moment at Ballon d’Or ceremony

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Viktor Gyokeres just can’t escape criticism at the moment, with negativity towards the Arsenal striker even coming from overseas.

Contrary to popular belief, the 27-year-old has had a very strong start to the season, netting three goals in his opening five games. 

Gyokeres boasts an impressive conversion rate, one of the best in the Premier League, but nothing seems to be enough. 

Rob Green recently took aim at Gyokeres during Arsenal’s clash against Man City, but criticism doesn’t just happen to the forward in-game.

• READ MORE: Nobody is talking about what Viktor Gyokeres did in injury time for Arsenal against Man City

Spanish media can’t believe Viktor Gyokeres won the Gerd Muller Trophy

At the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Gyokeres placed 15th, but he did get his hands on a trophy. 

The Swede was awarded the Gerd Muller Trophy for his scoring record over the 2024/25 season for club and country. 

Despite scoring 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting CP last term, Spanish media outlets were enraged by Gyokeres winning the prize over Kylian Mbappe.

Marca reacted to the award by asking, ‘Why does Gyokeres win the award when Mbappe won the Golden Boot?’

The website then answered their own question by noting that the Ballon d’Or is different to the European Golden Boot, as it’s done simply on goals scored, not on coefficients – the ranking of Europe’s top five leagues.

Fellow Spanish outlet AS, however, had a more punishing view, saying that Gyokeres ‘inexplicably’ won the award. 

AS claimed that the Ballon d’Or ceremony just ‘can’t handle’ Real Madrid, following on from last year’s outrage about Vinicius Junior not winning the prize over Rodri. 

There was a lot of fallout from Gyokeres winning the award, which was unsurprising given that the Sweden international just can’t escape criticism right now. 

• READ MORE: Jeff Stelling left absolutely shocked after what Troy Deeney said about Viktor Gyokeres

Winners of the Gerd Muller Trophy before Viktor Gyokeres

Putting criticism aside, Gyokeres has joined some star names by winning the trophy.

Harry Kane and Mbappe shared the prize last season after scoring 52 goals, following on from Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski.

It’s the ultimate prize to win in the European goalscoring charts, something Arsenal will love now that Gyokeres is a player belonging to Mikel Arteta.

In the meantime, the 27-year-old will continue to attempt to quieten the noise surrounding him by upping his tally for the Gunners.