We propose a method to generate magnetic skyrmions by intense laser pulses optimally focused on a magnetically ordered 2D-layer. In particular, we consider few-cycle intense pulses with the magnetic vortex structure near the focus region on the layer. The spin dynamics is modeled using the Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation and includes the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. We demonstrate that skyrmions can be observed within a few picoseconds after the end of the laser pulse. We analyze the physical picture of this process and work out which laser pulse and 2D-layer parameters are required for the generation.