‘Inexplicable’ – Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres dragged into bitter Ballon d’Or row
Arsenal frontman Viktor Gyokeres claimed the prestigious Gerd Muller Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris last night. The prize, previously known as the Striker of the Year or Best Striker Award, recognises both club and international goals.
The 27-year-old Gunners striker hit the back of the net 54 times in 52 appearances last term before sealing his £63.5million switch to the Emirates Stadium in August. But the result has not been universally popular, particularly in Spain where there has been further outrage in light of last year’s ceremony when Vinicius Jr missed out on the Ballon d’Or and Real Madrid boycotted the awards altogether.
Spanish newspaper AS’ editor-in-chief Tomas Roncero name-dropped Gyokeres when launching an astonishing attack on France Football, who host the red carpet gala. Roncero said: “Everything pointed to Mariona Caldentey, the Arsenal star who was brilliant when the team won the Champions League, winning. Aitana Bonmati, who is also very good but did not have her best season in Barça or Spain, however, received the award again.
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