Hulk recently became a trending topic on social media in Brazil, but not for enjoying the carnival in the traditional way. Far from the parades, music, and dancing typical of these festivities, the Atlético Mineiro forward shared his unique approach to spending these days: focusing on his physical recovery after intense training sessions with his team.
The footballer, known for his power and dedication, showcased his rehabilitation routine by alternating between heat and cold, a practice increasingly common in professional football. First, he exercised inside a sauna-like cabin before plunging into an ice-filled bathtub. This combination of cryotherapy (cold) and thermotherapy (heat) aims to accelerate muscle recovery: the cold helps reduce pain and inflammation, while the heat promotes muscle relaxation. Physical trainers and medical staff often recommend this method to keep athletes in peak condition.
Behind the name Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, little known outside the sports world, stands the imposing figure of Hulk, Atlético Mineiro’s main goal-scoring threat. At 38 years old and with two decades of career, the forward is 1.80 meters tall, weighs 90 kilos, and maintains an impressive 9% body fat — figures that highlight his remarkable physical condition and explain the origin of his nickname, inspired by Marvel Comics’ iconic green giant.
So far in 2025, Hulk has played eight matches and scored the same number of goals, spread across the Campeonato Mineiro and the Copa do Brasil. The next challenge for Galo will be this Thursday, when they face Manaus in the second round of the Copa. Afterwards, they will clash with América de Minas Gerais in the Mineirão final, played over two legs, before debuting in the Brasileirao against Gremio on Saturday, March 29.
Hulk’s professional career, which began in 2004, boasts over 400 goals, although only 11 of them came with the Brazilian national team, where he played 49 matches between 2009 and 2021, never quite securing a permanent spot in the starting lineup.
Born in Campina Grande, in the state of Paraíba, Givanildo was the only son among six sisters in a humble family led by his parents, Gilvan and Socorro. Sharing a room with three of his sisters during childhood, it was during these early years that his famous nickname emerged. “Since he was three years old, he imitated Hulk, his favorite hero,” his father once revealed. Gilvan supported his family by working at a local market selling meat, often with the help of young Givanildo, who already had a sturdy build, though far from the muscular physique he has today.
Aware of his limited options for changing his future, Hulk once recalled: “I had to succeed for my family, and the only paths were football or driving a bus, like one of my cousins.” He debuted at 17 with Vitória, playing just two matches as a right-back without scoring any goals. His goal-scoring potential began to show at Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale, where he was loaned in 2005 and netted his first three goals.
His career took him to other Japanese clubs like Consadole Sapporo and Tokyo Verdy before making the leap to Europe with Porto. After two inconsistent seasons, he continued his journey with Russia’s Zenit and China’s Shanghai SIPG, before returning to Brazil in 2021 to join Atlético Mineiro.
Since joining Galo, Hulk has been a key player regardless of the coaching changes. Argentine coach Gabriel Milito, who managed him last season, described him as “a tireless and decisive player who always shows up when needed” and “a natural leader due to his experience and dedication.”
