Antonio Valencia, the former Manchester United winger, has singled out Sweden’s Viktor Gyokeres as a strong contender for the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ecuadorian legend shared his thoughts after Gyokeres delivered a standout performance in Sweden’s commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their tournament opener.
Speaking to Hajper, Valencia remarked, ‘Viktor Gyokeres has what it takes to battle for the Golden Boot. He’s coming off an impressive season and a solid Champions League campaign, but we mustn’t forget there are other quality players in the mix who have also performed exceptionally well.’
Gyokeres, who has been in scintillating form, will be eager to maintain his momentum when Sweden faces the Netherlands in their second group match on Saturday. The striker’s prolific scoring ability has already made him a key figure for his national team, and his exploits in the Premier League with Arsenal last season—where he clinched the title and reached the Champions League final—have further elevated his profile.
Valencia’s endorsement adds to the growing buzz around Gyokeres, who is now being tipped as one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards. As the World Cup progresses, all eyes will be on the Swedish star to see if he can live up to the high expectations.