Viktor Gyökeres has been named Primeira Liga’s best player for the second year running at the Liga Portugal Awards, capping a remarkable year before his summer move to Arsenal.
The Swedish striker was again recognised as the league’s standout performer after scoring 39 goals and providing eight assists in 33 matches to propel Sporting Lisbon to the title.
His dominance was such that he joined the select company of Hulk, Jonas and Bruno Fernandes, the only other players to retain the award.
Gyökeres, who completed a high-profile transfer to north London in July, was not present in Porto to collect the trophy but sent a message of thanks. “I am very honoured. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be there, but I thank the players, the staff, everyone at the club and the fans,” he said.
The forward’s achievements were acknowledged alongside those of Sporting manager Rui Borges, who was voted best coach after guiding the club to a league and cup double, its first in 23 years. Borges said: “This award is not only mine, but the entire technical team, players and structure of Sporting.”
The evening also included a range of tributes, from Roberto Martínez receiving the ‘Prestige’ Award to the inductions of Nani and Ricardo Quaresma into the Hall of Fame.