Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson has very much enjoyed 2025.
Earlier today, the Swedish football association announced that the 27-year-old has won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award in his home country.
Johansson joined Stoke City from Rotherham United in 2024 and has been their No.1 since then. Last season, he kept 15 clean sheets and conceded 65 goals from 49 matches as Stoke City narrowly escaped relegation from the Championship.
Things have improved a lot for the Potters this season. They are currently seventh in the table, two points behind third placed Preston North End. The Sweden international is pleased with his side’s progress.
“From a club perspective, it was great that we managed to stay in the Championship. It was important and meant a lot to many people. We have taken steps forward, pushed each other and looked strong this autumn,” he said.
His form for Stoke City saw him cement his place in the Sweden squad. The goalkeeper has played five matches this year and retained his place under new national team manager, Graham Potter.
However, the Stoke City player doesn’t want to take his position in the national team for granted.
“The focus is now on the national team training camp in March and the upcoming matches. The competition on the goalkeeper side is very tough, where both Jacob [Widell Zetterström] and Noel [Törnqvist] have had strong seasons at a high level,” Johansson explained.
“Derby stayed in the Championship largely thanks to Jacob’s efforts and Noel contributed greatly to Mjällby’s gold [title success].”
2025 a good year for Stoke City player
Johansson has had ups and downs with both Sweden and Stoke City, so he’s especially pleased to be recognised by the Swedish FA.
On the Goalkeeper of the Year award, he added: “I’m very proud and feel that even though there have been a few ups and downs, it is proof that we have done well. It has felt good personally, I have had a wonderful year both with my family and in terms of football.”
