Hulk Takes 'The Most Powerful Free-Kick Ever' Against Santos, It Doesn't Even Make Sense
The Brazilian forward is renowned for his powerful strikes but this was something else...
Jack Kenmare
Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, also known as Hulk, is renowned for his impressive shot power but even for his incredibly high standards, this effort against Santos was something else.
The 35-year-old Brazilian forward has scored some screamers down the years, including the time he silenced racist Benfica fans with a 108km/h goal from range.
That magnificent effort at the Estadio da Luz was believed to be one of the hardest hits in football history.
The experienced Hulk, who nows plys his trade in the Brasileiro Serie A with Atletico Mineiro, has notched 52 goals and 16 assists during a successful 16 month spell in his native country.
And he almost improved on his record of 17 goals in 22 appearances this season when he smashed a free-kick into the post with an insanely powerful shot.
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The former FC Porto forward took a lengthy run-up before letting fly with his trusty left boot. You've got to admire the wall for their bravery, here.
Check it out below.
And here's a view of the free-kick from the stands.
Hulk's fellow countryman Ronny Heberson is believed to have been responsible for the fastest shot in football history.
Ronny, who is the brother of former Borussia Monchengladbach and Schalke forward Raffael, had an absolute sledgehammer of a left-foot.
And naturally, he was incredibly dangerous from dead-ball situations.
Back in November 2006, he demonstrated that ability for Portuguese side Sporting CP.
Ronny scored a rocket of a free-kick winner in the 88th minute away at Associação Naval 1º de Maio, with the unstoppable effort well and truly rippling the net.
It's a strike that has been unofficially measured at 210.9 kmh (131.82 mph) – a shot that eclipses efforts from the likes of Roberto Carlos and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Thoughts on Hulk's effort against Santos?
Let us know in the comments.