Stoke City make a video with Viktor Johansson tricking fans into thinking he was leaving until the very end of the clip.
The fan favourite did what we’ve seen many clubs do when a player says his goodbyes via social media these days, a video announcement, reflecting on their time.
That was the way it looked to be heading with the Stoke keeper, only to spring a surprise, a shot of him with a paper and pen, ready to sign a new contract.
The announcement followed, with fans pleased and surprise he was sticking around for another season at the bet365 Stadium.
A message from Viktor Johansson 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/pCOFQnYfIk
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) May 1, 2026
In the video, he said: “Didn’t think a lot what I wanted to say in this video and it’s not easy to put into words.
“From the moment I walked through the doors here I was welcomed in a way that made everything easier.
“There’s been some amazing moments and some difficult ones too. Through all of it, felt your support every single week. The saves, wins, celebrating it all with you in the stands. Those are moments I carry with me.
“I built a family here, both on and off the pitch. Every single one of you has made this place feel like home.
“When you care about a place this much, saying goodbye can never be easy. So I just say thank you for your support and thank you for the memories.
“I made this decision for all the right reasons. I hope you understand.”
🇸🇪 Our super Swede, at Stoke City to stay. pic.twitter.com/u7x96PVr01
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) May 1, 2026
A Potter until 2030.
Viktor Johansson commits to Stoke City.
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) May 1, 2026
Stoke City said in a statement via their website: Stoke City’s number one Viktor Johansson has signed a new four-year contract at the bet365 Stadium.
The 27-year-old Sweden international, City’s Player of the Season in his debut campaign in 24/25, has committed his long-term future to the Club where he has become the firmest of fan favourites.
After an ever-present 24/25, Johansson reached 70 consecutive Championship matches between the sticks for the Potters prior to requiring shoulder surgery in January, from which he made his return to full training last week.
The eight clean sheets he kept during the current campaign’s first half were, at the time, a league high as City boasted the strongest defensive record in the second tier.
Capped 12 times by his country and named Swedish Goalkeeper of the Year in 2025, the Potters’ stopper has his sights set on a place in Graham Potter’s final squad for the summer’s World Cup.
Jonathan Walters, for whom Johansson was the first signing of his tenure as Sporting Director in the summer of 2024, said: “In my eyes, and I’m sure in the eyes of our supporters as well, Viktor is the best goalkeeper in the Championship, so securing his long-term future is a statement of our intent.
“Viktor epitomises everything we all want to see in a Stoke City player. His energy, leadership and relentless desire to win drive standards every day, and his influence on those around him is clear for everyone to see.
“He has built such a strong connection with our supporters because of the values he displays both on and off the pitch. He embodies this club, this city and this area, and that makes him incredibly special to Stoke City.”
Johansson, who has returned to full fitness ahead of schedule, and could return to feature in City’s season finale at Bristol City, added: “I love it here; my full focus has been on my rehabilitation so I can be available for the team but, as soon as Jon brought up signing a new deal, it was something I was desperate to do.
“I love the lads, the staff and, most importantly, the supporters, who have been amazing to me and my family from day one.
“While we are all naturally disappointed that this season hasn’t fulfilled the promise it showed in the first half of the season, I take positives from how we proved we can compete at the top of this division.
“I’m determined, and I know the lads are too, to sustain those performances over a whole campaign and bring the success everyone at the Club deserves.”
Here’s how social media users reacted after Stoke make a video with Viktor Johansson tricking fans into thinking he was leaving until the very end…
@LukeJFurnival: Went from crying tears down my face to down my leg… GET IN
@Alfie_Malkin7: Dropped to my knees In Longton sobbing
@vsjlf2009: i don’t care, this is the signing of the season for next year.
@ollystirl: Just celebrated like we won the league
@Bunnyduckmag: Great video, but if the right offer comes in we know what would happen. At least now we should get what we deserve if offers do come in.
@rorithomas_x: Please never make my heart drop like that again 😅
@robin1302: Best bit of news for about 4 months!
@StokeyyG2: Oh my god 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 What a contract extension video… My heart SANK 😭😭😭
@SCFCBoothenEnd: Bloody hell, happy he’s staying but my god that vid felt unnecessary 🤣 having a bad week here lads… nearly finished me off!
@weare_stoke: Nearly had us there😅 Viktor Johansson is here to stay 😍
@StokeLoudProud: Almost closed down the account till the end
@durber42: oh my fucking god you bunch of pricks 😂😂😂
@Hayleyscfc1991: Omg never ever ever ever do that to me again!!!!
@Everystepalong: You bloody swines, you really had us then. You absolutely beautiful beast @Viktor1898 that’s a way to get some feel good feeling back. Gonna take some incredible summer signings to beat this one!! 💓
@scottsa07461696: Top class keeper, fair play for this loyalty
@MilesParrish9: Unreal. Couldn’t love this bloke any more if I tried
@TomH_1863: Heart attack Fridays in full motion.
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