Fans are convinced Hulk scored one of the most powerful free-kicks in football history against Palmeiras and it's something else

Atletico Mineiro forward Hulk proved he still has one of the most powerful shots in football on Sunday night after the former Brazil international netted a quite remarkable free-kick against Palmeiras.

Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, who was given the nickname 'Hulk' because of his uncanny resemblance to Incredible Hulk actor Lou Ferrigno, has become synonymous for his fearsome left foot.

During spells at Porto, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG, the winger would often showcase his impressive shot power, including the time he silenced racist Benfica fans with a 108km/h goal from distance.

That magnificent effort at the Estadio da Luz was believed to be one of the hardest hits in recent memory.

And the 38-year-old may have entered the history books again on Sunday night, when he scored a screamer from the edge of the penalty area as Atletico Mineiro came up against Club World Cup quarter-finalists Palmeiras in the league.

Palmeiras would go on to secure a dramatic three points at the Allianz Parque thanks to a 3-2 victory, but Hulk was the big talking point as he almost scored a hat-trick of free kicks against Abel Ferreira's side.

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the scenes.

One said: "The player with the most shot power. Even Adriano's can't compete," and a second commented: "No one hits the ball better than this fella."

A third wrote: "Hulk and Adriano got the most absurd shot power I've ever seen," and another said: "Hulk: Shot Power - 99."

A fifth added: "Still out there breaking nets. The last of the real power shooters."

Little-known Brazilian is responsible for 'hardest shot in football history'

Hulk is widely regarded as having the most powerful hit in football but back in November 2006, a little-known Brazilian named Ronny Heberson reportedly registered the fastest shot of all time.

Heberson, 38, was playing for Portuguese side Sporting CP when he struck a shot that reached a speed of 210km/h.

Sporting went on to win the game 1-0 in front of 2,577 spectators at the Estadio Municipal Jose Bento Pessoa, who were lucky enough to witness a piece of history.