- Viktor Gyökeres, Sporting Lisbon's prolific striker, has revealed the inspiration behind his iconic "mask" celebration, linking it to Bane, the villain from The Dark Knight Rises
- Gyökeres has become one of Europe’s top strikers this season, with 23 goals in 16 games, drawing significant interest from Manchester United
- Despite transfer links, Gyökeres remains focused on Sporting Lisbon, with manager Ruben Amorim dismissing speculation about a potential move to Old Trafford
Viktor Gyökeres, one of Europe’s most prolific strikers, has finally shed light on the mystery behind his iconic “mask” celebration, and what he revealed is as dramatic as his rise to stardom.
The Swedish forward, now thriving at Sporting Lisbon formerly under newly appointed Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, explained that his celebration is inspired by none other than Bane, the masked villain from DC Comics’ Batman series.
Since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023 for a modest £21 million, Gyökeres has evolved into a lethal goal machine, netting an impressive 23 goals in 16 games this season. His clinical form has seen him rise to become one of Europe’s most sought-after and has also drawn significant attention from top clubs, including Manchester United.
United’s interest in the 26-year-old striker has made even more headlines, especially since Ruben Amorim, Gyökeres’ former manager at Sporting, succeeded Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils’ head coach. The Swedish international was however diplomatic about the transfer speculation,
“He probably has some strikers there already, so we’ll see, no, he hasn’t [contacted me]. It’s fun but nothing I attach any importance to because it’s talk and nothing concrete.”
As Gyökeres’ profile has risen, so has curiosity surrounding his unique celebration. Locking his fingers together and holding them to his face to form a mask, the gesture has become a highlight of his goal-scoring exploits. In an Instagram post, Gyökeres shared a compilation of his goals alongside the caption, “Nobody cared until I put on the mask.”
This line is famously delivered by Bane, the villain who defeated Batman both physically and mentally in The Dark Knight Rises.
Despite the growing speculation about a move to Manchester United, Ruben Amorim remained tactful when asked about a potential reunion at Old Trafford,
“Gyökeres is a Sporting player, which is a great club, he just has to stay and finish the season at Marques,” he said.
Erik Ten Hag sacked by Manchester United, parts with hefty compensation
Previously, TheRadar reported that Manchester United has made a crucial decision in the wake of a lacklustre season-opening, parting ways with Erik ten Hag as manager following mounting pressure.
The final blow came in a 2-1 loss against West Ham on Sunday, October 27, leaving United in a concerning 14th place in the Premier League, with only three wins in their opening nine games.
