Hulk Takes 'The Most Powerful Free-Kick Ever' Against Santos, It Doesn't Even Make Sense
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.
Hulk shutting up those racist Benfica fans with this cracker😁😁😁😁 pic.twitter.com/K7AshXkvTB
— GKC (@GKCYNWA55) June 3, 2020
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.
Advert
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.
El profe de gimnasia: "Chicos no pateen las pelotas de volley"
— Brasileirão Play (@BrasileiraoPlay) June 12, 2022
El que repitió tres veces: pic.twitter.com/rNQjnlvuIR
And here's a view of the free-kick from the stands.
Cobrança de falta IGNORANTE do Hulk. A bola explodiu na trave do Santos!
— Goleada Info (@goleada_info) June 11, 2022
🎥 @niveachacha pic.twitter.com/UCv4Fi2vvq
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.
Did you know? 🤔 The Brazilian Ronny once blasted a free-kick that was measured at 211 km/h. 💣🚀
— 433 (@433) July 2, 2019
🎥 @Bundesliga_EN pic.twitter.com/jccDp3LH5W
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.
Jack Kenmare