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.