Brief Introduction of Hulk (Footballer)
Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, known globally as Hulk, is a Brazilian professional footballer renowned for his formidable physical strength, powerful striking ability, and versatility as a forward. His nickname, given to him due to his resemblance to actor Lou Ferrigno who played the Incredible Hulk, aptly describes his imposing presence on the pitch. Hulk has forged a successful career across multiple continents, winning numerous league titles and individual accolades in Portugal, Russia, China, and his native Brazil. He is celebrated for his explosive long-range shots with his left foot and his ability to play both as a central striker and a winger. After prominent spells in Europe and Asia, he returned to Brazil to lead Atlético Mineiro to historic victories, cementing his status as a modern footballing icon.
Hulk (Footballer) Overview
| Full Name | Givanildo Vieira de Sousa |
| Date of Birth | July 25, 1986 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 39 |
| Birthplace | Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Husband/Wife | Camila Ângelo |
| Family | Parents: Gilvan and Maria do Socorro Vieira de Sousa; Six sisters |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Married to Camila Ângelo |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be around €60-€70 million |
Early Life and Education of Hulk (Footballer)
Born in Campina Grande, a city in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, Givanildo Vieira de Sousa was the only boy among seven children. Growing up in a humble family, his father, Gilvan, was a butcher who ran a market stall, and Hulk often helped with the family business. It was his father who introduced him to football and gave him his famous nickname, noticing his son’s robust build and love for the superhero character. His passion for the sport was evident from a very young age. He began his youth career at local clubs Serrano-PB and Campinense before moving to Vilanovense in Portugal and later having stints with the youth setups of São Paulo and Vitória. He signed his first professional contract at the age of 16 with Vitória. Information regarding his formal education is not extensively public, as his focus shifted to a professional football career from his teenage years.
Hulk (Footballer)’s Career
Hulk’s professional journey is a tale of global success, marked by powerful performances and prolific goal-scoring across four different countries. He began his senior career at Esporte Clube Vitória in Brazil before making a pivotal move to Japan at a young age. In Japan, he played for Kawasaki Frontale, and had highly successful loan spells at Consadole Sapporo and Tokyo Verdy. At Tokyo Verdy in 2007, he was the top scorer in the J2 League, netting an astounding 37 goals in 42 matches, which brought him to the attention of European clubs.
FC Porto (2008–2012)
In 2008, Hulk made his much-anticipated move to Europe, signing with Portuguese giants FC Porto for €19 million. It was here that he truly established himself as a world-class talent. He quickly became a fan favorite for his powerful runs, incredible physique, and a thunderous left-foot shot. During his four seasons with Porto, he won an impressive ten major titles. The pinnacle of his time in Portugal was the 2010–11 season, where he was the Primeira Liga’s top scorer and a key player in the team’s treble-winning campaign, which included the league title, the Taça de Portugal, and the UEFA Europa League. He was twice named the Primeira Liga Player of the Year.
Zenit Saint Petersburg (2012–2016)
In September 2012, Hulk transferred to the Russian Premier League side Zenit Saint Petersburg for a reported fee of €40 million. Despite some initial challenges, his time in Russia was successful. He won the Russian Premier League, the Russian Cup, and the Russian Super Cup with Zenit. Individually, he was named the league’s top scorer for the 2014–15 season and was also voted the competition’s best player.
Shanghai SIPG (2016–2020)
In June 2016, Hulk made a high-profile move to the Chinese Super League, joining Shanghai SIPG (now Shanghai Port) for an Asian football record fee of €55.8 million. He became one of the league’s biggest stars, earning a substantial salary. His impact was immediate, and he played a crucial role in Shanghai SIPG’s historic 2018 Chinese Super League title win, their first ever. He also won the Chinese FA Super Cup in 2019. Across all competitions, he scored 77 goals in 145 appearances for the club.
Atlético Mineiro (2021–Present)
After over 15 years abroad, Hulk returned to his homeland in January 2021, signing with Atlético Mineiro. His return proved to be a masterstroke. In his first season, he led the club to a historic domestic treble, winning the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (the club’s first in 50 years), the Copa do Brasil, and the Campeonato Mineiro. He finished as the top scorer in both the league and the cup, a remarkable achievement that earned him the prestigious Bola de Ouro award as Brazil’s best player. He has continued to be a prolific goalscorer and talisman for the club, winning multiple state championships and becoming the club’s all-time top scorer in the Copa Libertadores.
International Career
Hulk made his debut for the Brazilian national team in 2009. He was part of the squad for the 2012 London Olympics, where Brazil won a silver medal. A year later, he was a member of the team that won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup on home soil. He also represented Brazil at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In total, he has earned 49 caps for his country, scoring 11 goals.
Hulk (Footballer) Personal Life & Family
Hulk’s personal life has attracted significant media attention. He was married to Iran Angelo de Souza for 12 years, from 2007 to 2019, after meeting her in Japan. They have three children together: two sons, Ian and Tiago, and a daughter, Alice. Following their separation, Hulk began a relationship with Camila Ângelo, who is the niece of his ex-wife Iran. The couple married in March 2020. Hulk and Camila have two children together. Their first child, a daughter named Zaya, was born in April 2022. They welcomed their second child in 2024. The family dynamics have been a subject of public discussion, but Hulk has maintained that his relationship with Camila began after his marriage with Iran had ended.
Awards and Achievements of Hulk (Footballer)
- FC Porto
- UEFA Europa League: 2010–11
- Primeira Liga: 2008–09, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13
- Taça de Portugal: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11
- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2009, 2010, 2011
- Zenit Saint Petersburg
- Russian Premier League: 2014–15
- Russian Cup: 2015–16
- Russian Super Cup: 2015
- Shanghai SIPG
- Chinese Super League: 2018
- Chinese FA Super Cup: 2019
- Atlético Mineiro
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2021
- Copa do Brasil: 2021
- Supercopa do Brasil: 2022
- Campeonato Mineiro: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
- Brazil National Team
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2013
- Olympic Silver Medal: 2012
- Individual
- Primeira Liga Top Scorer: 2010–11
- Primeira Liga Player of the Year: 2010–11, 2011–12
- Russian Premier League Top Scorer: 2014–15
- Russian Premier League Best Player: 2012–13
- Bola de Ouro: 2021
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Top Scorer: 2021
Hulk (Footballer) Net Worth and Income
Hulk has amassed significant wealth throughout his lucrative football career, particularly from high-paying contracts in Russia and China. His net worth as of 2025 is estimated to be in the range of €60 to €70 million. A significant portion of this wealth came during his tenure with Shanghai SIPG, where he was reportedly one of the highest-paid footballers in the world, earning around £320,000 per week. Currently at Atlético Mineiro, he remains one of the highest earners in Brazilian football, with a reported monthly salary of approximately R$1.8 million (around £280,000). His income is supplemented by various endorsements and sponsorship deals, though specific details are not publicly disclosed.
Legacy and Influence
Hulk’s legacy is that of a unique and powerful footballer who achieved success across the globe. While some critics argue his career choices to play in Russia and China during his prime may have prevented him from competing for top European honors like the UEFA Champions League, he undeniably became a dominant star and a champion in every league he played in. His physical prowess and cannon-like shot made him a memorable and feared opponent. In Brazil, his return to Atlético Mineiro is seen as a monumental success, where he achieved legendary status by leading the club to its first league title in half a century and breaking numerous records. He is considered a modern idol for the club’s supporters and an example of longevity and high performance well into his late 30s.
Interesting Facts about Hulk (Footballer)
- His nickname “Hulk” was given to him by his father because of his childhood love for “The Incredible Hulk” TV series and his physical similarity to actor Lou Ferrigno.
- He is one of the few players to be the top scorer in the top divisions of Portugal, Russia, and Brazil.
- Hulk has scored over 400 official career goals.
- Despite his fame and success, he has never played in any of Europe’s top five leagues (Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1).
- He holds the record for being the Campeonato Mineiro’s top scorer for four consecutive years, an unprecedented feat.
- His transfer from Zenit to Shanghai SIPG in 2016 for €55.8 million was an Asian football transfer record at the time.
Controversies
The most significant controversy surrounding Hulk has been related to his personal life. His marriage to Camila Ângelo, the niece of his former wife Iran Angelo de Souza, shortly after their divorce, sparked widespread media coverage and public debate. Hulk has publicly addressed the situation, stating that he was not happy in his previous marriage and that his relationship with Camila started after he was already single, denying any infidelity during his marriage. In his professional career, he was once ordered to pay a fine for an altercation with stewards while at FC Porto.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – hulkparaiba (over 5 million followers)
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Hulk (Footballer)
As of 2025, Givanildo “Hulk” Vieira de Sousa continues to defy age, performing at an elite level for Atlético Mineiro. His career has been a fascinating journey of power, goals, and globetrotting success. He has built a legacy as a champion in multiple countries and a cult hero for several fanbases, particularly at FC Porto and Atlético Mineiro. While his path was unconventional, choosing lucrative moves to Russia and China over Europe’s premier leagues, his consistent goalscoring and trophy-laden career speak for themselves. With a contract at Atlético Mineiro running until the end of 2026, fans can still expect to see his trademark power and passion on display as he adds the final chapters to a remarkable and unique footballing story.
