In an act of generosity that has stunned the footballing world, Arsenal forward Viktor Gyökeres has announced that he will donate the entirety of his $8.9 million prize money and sponsorship earnings to fund a nationwide project aimed at helping the homeless in his native Sweden.
The initiative, revealed at an emotional press conference in Stockholm, will see the construction of 150 modern housing units and 300 permanent beds across multiple cities, with the first shelters expected to open before next winter. The project, to be managed by a coalition of local charities and municipal councils, aims to provide both emergency accommodation and long-term pathways back into stable housing.
“No one should have to sleep outside in the cold”
Fighting back tears, Gyökeres explained the personal motivation behind his unprecedented donation.
“I’ve seen people struggling through the harsh Swedish winters without a roof over their heads,” he said. “Some of them were outside my own childhood neighborhood. I promised myself that if I ever had the chance to help, I would. No one should have to sleep outside in the cold.”
Born in Bromölla, a small town in southern Sweden, Gyökeres grew up in a modest family. Despite becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, he has remained closely connected to his roots and frequently returns home during the off-season. Friends and neighbors say his compassion for the less fortunate has been evident since he was young.
A plan with long-term impact
The housing project will be built in partnership with Svenska Hjälpen, a Swedish non-profit dedicated to combating homelessness, and several local construction firms that have agreed to discounted rates. Each housing unit will include insulation capable of withstanding extreme winter temperatures, access to communal kitchens, and on-site social services to assist residents with employment, healthcare, and counseling.
The shelters will not be temporary tents or makeshift dormitories. Instead, Gyökeres insisted that they be permanent, dignified, and safe environments for those seeking a fresh start. “These are not just beds,” he said. “They are places where people can feel human again.”
The football world reacts
News of Gyökeres’s donation spread rapidly, drawing praise from fans, fellow players, and public figures around the globe. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described the gesture as “the definition of leadership off the pitch,” while teammate Bukayo Saka called it “one of the most selfless things I’ve ever seen in football.”
Social media lit up with messages of admiration, with many calling Gyökeres “a role model for the next generation.” Some Swedish newspapers have already begun referring to the forward as “The People’s Striker.”
A challenge to others in the sport
While Gyökeres was quick to dismiss the idea that his donation was meant as a challenge to others, he acknowledged that professional athletes have unique opportunities to make a difference.
“I’m not saying every player should give away all their money,” he explained. “But if you can do something meaningful with what you’ve earned—something that changes lives—why wouldn’t you?”
This sentiment echoes a growing movement within professional sports for stars to use their wealth and influence for social good, a trend seen in initiatives ranging from youth education programs to climate change campaigns.
Construction already underway
Groundbreaking on the first shelter site is set to begin in Gothenburg next month, with the goal of having at least five facilities operational before the year ends. Priority will be given to areas with the highest rates of homelessness, including Stockholm, Malmö, and Uppsala.
Swedish officials have pledged to support the project by providing additional land for development and integrating the shelters into national social service networks. According to early estimates, the initiative could reduce Sweden’s street homelessness by over 30% within five years.
Beyond football
At just 26 years old, Gyökeres is entering the prime of his career, but he has made it clear that his legacy will not be measured solely in goals scored or trophies won. “Football has given me everything,” he said. “But if my success means I can give someone else a chance at life, that’s worth more than any medal.”
As cameras flashed and reporters crowded around, Gyökeres ended the press conference with a simple, heartfelt statement:
“This isn’t charity—it’s a responsibility. I’m just doing my part.”
For many in Sweden, and across the world, his part may mean the difference between another night on the frozen streets and the first step toward a warm, safe home.