Hulk returns to Barradão, where he made his professional debut against Fluminense
Hulk returns to Salvador's Barradão for Vitória vs Fluminense, the club where he began his career and made his professional debut in 2004.
Hulk is heading back to Salvador this Friday, when Fluminense face Vitória in the 34th round of the Brazilian Série A at the Barradão. The kick-off is scheduled for 8pm. The stadium holds special meaning for the forward, who took his first steps in professional football there, long before he became the central striker he is known as today.
From winger to defender
Born in Campina Grande, in the Brazilian state of Paraíba, Hulk joined Vitória's youth system in 1998 at the age of 12. At that time he played mostly as a winger and sometimes as a full-back, far from the central role he occupies now.
His professional debut came in 2004, and it was as a defender. He came on in the second half under coach Hélio dos Anjos in a 3-2 defeat to Fluminense. Edilson Capetinha scored twice for Vitória, while Ramon (two) and Alex Terra scored for Fluminense. Hulk played one more match for Vitória that season, this time as an attacker, against Internacional. Vitória were relegated at the end of the campaign.
A long career abroad
The following year Hulk left to begin his career in Japanese football. He then spent 17 years outside Brazil, playing for Porto, Zenit and Shanghai SIPG, before returning to Atlético-MG in 2021. Although he was back in Brazilian football, he did not play at the Barradão until 2025, when he was with the Minas Gerais club.
Return to Salvador
This is the second time this year Hulk has visited the Barradão. In the first round, while still at Atlético-MG, he played there in the sixth round and lost 2-0 to Vitória. In three meetings with his former club, Hulk has never won and has never scored against them, whether in Salvador or elsewhere.
Fluminense have a history of tough matches against Vitória. In their last ten meetings, Fluminense have won three, lost two and drawn five. The match is part of the closing stages of the Brazilian championship, with Fluminense currently in the race for the top four and a place in the upper part of the table.