Now an idol at Atlético, Hulk had an impactful time in Portuguese football and is considered one of the greatest names in Porto’s history.
Portuguese midfielder Vítor Gomes, 37, may be a little-known figure to the Brazilian public, but he has a certain amount of recognition in Portuguese football. And the experienced Rio native treats an Atlético idol as the most difficult one he has ever faced. In an interview with the newspaper O Jogo, the athlete praised striker Hulk, also an idol at Porto. Vítor Gomes played for the Portuguese national team’s under-20 team, but never represented the main team. Throughout his career, in addition to Rio Ave, the midfielder played for Cagliari (Italy), Fehérvár FC (Hungary), Moreirense (Portugal), Balikesirspor (Turkey), Belenenses (Portugal), CD Aves (Portugal) and Omonia (Cyprus).
“Possibly the most difficult player I faced was Hulk. I could also say, perhaps, Di María, Falcao, James Rodríguez and, of course, Gyokeres.” —Said the steering wheel.
Vítor Gomes faced Hulk on four occasions in his career, between 2009 and 2012 – all in the Portuguese Championship. On all four occasions, Porto, with the Paraíba striker, beat Rio Ave, with the Portuguese midfielder.
At 38 years old, Hulk is one of the greatest idols in Atlético’s history. The striker has 125 goals in 250 games wearing the black and white shirt, having quickly won over the black and white fans in 2021. Since arriving in Belo Horizonte, the Paraíba native has racked up titles. He won five Campeonato Mineiros (2021 to 2025), one Campeonato Brasileiro (2021), one Copa do Brasil (2021) and one Supercopa do Brasil (2022).
