Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres has been given an unusual nickname by Sweden teammate Eric Smith, who also backed him to win the country’s Player of the Year award. According to Football London on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Smith revealed that he has started calling the forward “Bulten” during Sweden’s international camp, and said it is catching on.

Smith, who represents German club St Pauli, was asked to identify his choice for the individual honour. Rather than using Gyökeres’ name, he responded with the nickname before explaining that it was a label he had recently adopted for the Arsenal attacker.

“I call him Bulten. I think it fits well and it’s starting to catch on with the others now,” Smith said.

The defender was asked to explain the nickname. The Swedish word “bultig” describes someone as stocky or chubby, which Smith gave as the reason behind his choice.

“He’s chubby,” he replied, adding that Gyökeres was not particularly pleased with the nickname. Smith admitted that the striker’s reaction made the joke more entertaining for him.

Viktor Johansson, a goalkeeper and friend of Gyökeres, also responded when journalists raised the subject. He appeared amused by the name and suggested that it matched the image associated with the nickname.

“It’s very funny. That’s what you think Bulten should look like,” Johansson said.

Gyökeres was subsequently asked about the label by Fotbollskanalen. The 28-year-old confirmed that his teammates had invented it in recent days, although he did not know exactly how Smith had arrived at the name.

“It’s something crazy that they’ve come up with in recent days. You’ll have to check with him. I don’t really know where he got it from. But he gets into things sometimes and you have to take it with a pinch of salt,” he explained.

The exchange comes as Gyökeres continues to attract attention for his contributions to Sweden. The striker has scored in each of the country’s four Nations League group matches this season, maintaining an impressive record at international level.

His club performances have also made him a prominent figure since joining Arsenal from Sporting CP. During his first season in North London, he scored 21 goals in all competitions and helped the Gunners win the Premier League title in the 2025-26 campaign.

His league output has been less prolific this season, although his displays for Sweden have remained productive. The contrast has kept attention on the forward as he looks to improve his scoring form for Arsenal while continuing to deliver for his country.

Arsenal teammate Kai Havertz has previously described Gyökeres as highly competitive in training. According to Havertz, the striker becomes frustrated when he is beaten, reflecting his desire to win even in practice.

Smith’s nickname has added another talking point to Gyökeres’ profile within the Swedish squad. Although the forward appears unconvinced by the label, his teammates seem entertained by it. The exchange highlights the relaxed atmosphere among the players, while Smith’s endorsement underlines the respect Gyökeres commands within the squad.