The Scream of Victory: My Tribute to Viktor Gyökeres
An emotional tribute to the player who made history at Sporting Clube de Portugal
There are moments in football that live far beyond the final whistle—moments that shift the identity of a club, that become stories we pass down. And there are players who shape those moments through sheer will, resilience, and sacrifice. Viktor Gyökeres is one of them.
I have painted a 1.5-meter-tall oil portrait of Viktor—shirtless, mid-scream, a moment of pure, primal release. It is not just a painting of a footballer. It’s the portrait of someone who gave everything to a dream and made it real.
This artwork wasn’t commissioned. It wasn’t requested. I created it because I had to. Because as a Sporting supporter, I’ve never experienced two consecutive league titles. And I’ve never witnessed a player quite like Viktor.
A Player Who Became a Symbol
At Sporting, there’s a common saying:
“Não há heróis, só há o Sporting.”
(“There are no heroes, only Sporting.”)
It’s a beautiful, stoic philosophy. No player should ever be bigger than the club. They come and go, while the supporters remain.
And yet—some players leave behind something eternal. Viktor Gyökeres is one of them.
I understand this deeply as a portrait artist. I don’t paint fame or glory. I paint emotion. Effort. The truth of what it means to fight for greatness. Viktor’s portrait is a tribute not to his talent, but to his dedication. He wasn’t born with mythic ability, but with a will to work until he became unstoppable. Like Cristiano Ronaldo before him, he proved that practice, consistency, and hunger can shape legends.
This scream I painted is not tied to any club jersey. It’s a universal scream. A “YES.” A “LOOK WHAT I DID.” A reminder that greatness is built. That it hurts, and that it’s worth it.
A Farewell to a Lion
Viktor is now set to join Arsenal FC, where he’ll wear the number 14 jersey and step onto one of football’s grandest stages. It’s a chapter that feels bittersweet. Every Sporting fan knew this day would come. His ambition was too big for any one league.
But no transfer can erase history. His name will echo through Alvalade forever. Not just for the goals or titles, but for the way he made us believe.
I don’t know if Viktor has seen the painting yet. But I hope one day I can deliver it to him personally. Not as a gift, but as a recognition. A thank-you, from one devoted person to another.
The Painting
Viktor Gyökeres Artwork by Gus Romano
1.5m x 1m oil painting
Painted over several weeks, this 1.5m x 1m oil portrait was created using my alla prima technique—wet-on-wet brushwork with no room for hesitation. Just like Gyökeres on the pitch, the strokes are raw, committed, and full of motion.
It was first revealed on Instagram and TikTok, with supporters from across Portugal and beyond reacting with passion. The post quickly went viral, adding another layer to the tribute. TikTok reveal
The Stats Behind the Roar
In the 2023/2024 season, Viktor Gyökeres played a key role in bringing Sporting Clube de Portugal their long-awaited championship—scoring 29 goals and providing 9 assists across all competitions. The following year, he did the unthinkable again: helping secure back-to-back titles, something most fans only dream of.
His presence on the field went beyond numbers. His goals weren’t just goals—they were moments of defiance, turning points in tightly contested matches, outbursts of belief.
One of the most iconic games came during the derby against Benfica, where Gyökeres scored a decisive brace, silencing Estádio da Luz and etching his name in Sporting folklore. He didn’t just score; he imposed. He carried the team forward when it mattered the most.
A Lasting Message
This portrait is a homage not only to a player but to a mindset.
It’s for the believers.
The hard workers.
The ones who turn pressure into power.
Obrigado, Viktor. Boa sorte em Londres. May you roar even louder in red and white.
And know that back in Lisbon, a part of your legacy now lives forever—in brushstrokes.
