Sport Features

HE really is incredible.
Brazilian star Givanildo Vieira de Sousa, better known as Hulk because of his bodybuilder appearance and being a Lou Ferrigno lookalike, is available on a free transfer after leaving Shanghai SIPG.

Hulk is attracting interest from the Premier League after leaving Shanghai SIPGCredit: Getty – Contributor

The Brazilian international is now married to his ex-wife’s niece

The Brazilian got his nickname because of his resemblance to bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno, who played The Incredible HulkCredit: Getty – Contributor

After beginning his career in his homeland, the well-built forward has played in Japan, Portugal, Russia, and made a mint in China.
At Shanghai SIPG he earned a whopping £16.6million-per-year, and was one of the Chinese Super League’s marquee signings in 2016.
But now, after rejecting the opportunity to sign a new contract in China, Hulk is weighing up options and reportedly has several offers to show off his talents in England.
At 34 he’s never looked better, and after lockdown he showed off a remarkable body transformation with a more defined look.

And back in March, Hulk caused controversy when he ditched his wife and married her stunning niece.
KEEP IT IN THE FAMILY
Last year, the burly striker ended his 12-year relationship with ex-missus Iran Angelo.
Five months later, reports linked Hulk to her beautiful niece Camila Angelo, 31.
That relationship is now said to have started in October of 2019, and in March the former Porto striker wrote on his social media bio he was “married” again.

Hulk divorced his wife of 12 years Iran Angelo, left, and began dating her beautiful niece Camila Angelo months later

The pair have posted several pictures wearing what looks like wedding rings

Angelo and Hulk have never confirmed their nuptials

According to reports, Hulk married Angelo so she could get a visa to stay in China
The couple have posted several pictures together since wearing what appear to be wedding rings, but never confirmed their nuptials.
Argentine newspaper Infobae later revealed “sudden marriage was also due to” the fact Camila “needed a visa to stay in the country (China)”.

Brazil star Hulk ‘marries his ex-wife’s stunning niece in whirlwind ceremony to get visa and stay together in China’
THE BIG MAN
When Hulk first emerged on the scene in Europe with Porto, his staggering size always stood out on the football pitch.
He was renowned for being built like an ox, and it was impossible to shrug him off the ball because of his strength.
In China, especially during the lockdown period, he seems to have become supersized.
Fans were left agasp when he returned to training with Shanghai SIPG somehow looking even more muscular.
Hulk shared video and pics of himself staying fit by hitting his home gym.
And the benefits were there for all to see.

Hulk was always renowned for his huge physiqueCredit: Getty – Contributor

The beefy forward was a hulking presence

Today’s Hulk is more defined
HE’S GOT GOALS
The misconception of Hulk is that he’s a novelty footballer, because of his gargantuan size.
However, as they say, never judge a book by its cover.
Capped 47 times by Brazil, he’s scored 11 international goals – playing mostly as a winger.
His career took off in Japan’s second division with Tokyo Verdy in 2007, before he moved to Porto in 2008.
It took him two seasons to find his feet in Portugal, and there was bother along the way.
Following a tunnel brawl during a 1-0 league loss to fierce rivals Benfica, Hulk was suspended for four games.
But in the 2010-11 season he began to push on. 35 goals in 53 games during Porto’s treble year, in which they also lifted the Europa League, elevated him to new heights.
Trouble still followed him wherever he went though, in 2014 he was forced to pay £42,000 fine for assaulting two stewards.

Hulk made his name in Europe at PortoCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Hulk went to Russia to play with Zenit Saint Petersburg after PortoCredit: PA:Empics Sport

In 2016 he became one of the world’s highest paid players joining Shanghai SIPGCredit: Rex Features
PREMIER LEAGUE INTEREST
It’s not a surprise that Hulk has been linked to a move to the Premier League, with his status as a free agent approaching soon.
Before he moved to Zenit Saint Petersburg, he revealed Chelsea were interested in adding him to their squad.
“In my first season at Porto, I started well and remember hearing some talk about Manchester United, but I never received anything concrete on that,” he told FourFourTwo.
“At the time, I was too young and left those things for other people to sort out, so I didn’t get to know which offers arrived.
“Only after I signed for Zenit was I told Chelsea had been interested, but I can’t tell you how serious they were.”
HE’LL COST MEGA WAGES
Although clubs will be enticed by the fact there’s no transfer fee for Hulk, he won’t come cheap.
His salary was believed to be in the region of £320,000-per-week – making him the second highest paid player in China. The first is former Chelsea star Oscar on an astonishing £400,000-per-week.

Hulk stands outside his private jet, which bears the striker’s signature on the outsideCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba

Inside the aircraft there are sketches of the Brazilian scoring goals throughout his careerCredit: Instagram @hulkparaiba

At 34 Hulk still has lots to offer amid Premier League interest
And he lives some life off the pitch, as you can imagine.
In 2018, he was pictured on board his own private jet, which features his signature on the side.

Inside, the cabin is decorated with his own image.
Hulk is also a keen art collector, spending his wages on rare paintings by renowned artists.
The runway is clear for his arrival on our shores. More

RAMON DIAZ was a left footed striker who came through the youth ranks with Diego Maradona.
Diaz was top scorer, Maradona was chosen as best player when Argentina won the first World Under-20 Cup in 1979. 

Ramon Diaz, left, was sacked by Botafogo without taking charge of a game after a monthCredit: AFP – Getty

Famously, Diaz fell out with Diego Maradona after the 1982 World Cup and he never played for Argentina againCredit: AFP – Getty

Afterwards they fell out, and the international career of Diaz did not extend beyond the 1982 World Cup, but he was a consistent goal scorer in Italy and France during the 80s, before later embarking on a successful coaching career.
He won the Copa Libertadores, South America’s Champions League, with his beloved River Plate in 1996, and has taken charge of other Argentine giants such as San Lorenzo and Independiente.
There are two unusual moments in his coaching CV. The first is a spell as manager of Oxford United in 2004/5. The second has just happened – he was sacked by Brazilian club Botafogo before he had even started work.
Now 61, Diaz was hired by the Rio de Janeiro club in November. Now 61, he had to undergo a surgery before he could take charge. So he sent his assistant, his son Emiliano, and his back up staff to Rio to get the ball rolling until he was free to join them.

The original hope was that he would be given the all clear in the last week of November.
But that was then put back to December 7 – and Botafogo decided that they were not prepared to wait.
Under Emiliano Diaz Botafogo had played three matches, and lost them all.  He was sent on his way, and his father Ramon had lost a job that he had not even started performing.
There are obvious reasons for the Botafogo administration to push the panic button. They are one of the famous names of the Brazilian game, supplying an extraordinary array of talent to the national team.

Diaz’s arrival at Botafogo was delayed by surgery, and Botafogo couldn’t wait any longerCredit: AFP or licensors
Brazil’s three World Cup winning sides between 1958 and 70 were built on a combination of players from Pele’s Santos and the Botafogo of Garrincha, Zagallo, Nilton Santos, Didi, Amarildo and Jairzinho.
But the club’s support base is passionate but relatively small – especially compared to local giants Flamengo or even Vasco da Gama.
Botafogo are in deep financial trouble – there have been hopes, so far unfounded, that the club might be saved by being turned into a business. 
And, inevitably, the financial problems make their way through to the field, where in recent times Botafogo teams have tended to be limited and workmanlike rather than inspired.
They have been relegated to the second division twice this century, and are in grave danger of going down once more. Well over half way through the season, Botafogo are second from bottom.
Two coaches had quickly come and gone when Ramon Diaz was appointed.  Political infighting is common in Brazilian clubs, and it would seem likely that the decision to go with Diaz did not meet with universal approval.
The slight delay in his arrival, then, became the justification for those who did want a foreign coach to push for dismissal.

Botafogo are struggling in the league and sit second from bottomCredit: Reuters

But there is a delicious irony in the story.  Ramon Diaz was substituted by the return of Eduardo Barroca for his second spell in charge of the club. 
Barroca then went down with coronavirus, and will be in isolation until Thursday, by which time Ramon Diaz would already have been at work. 
The club that could not wait is being forced to do just that.

Watch Carlos Tevez pay emotional tribute to Diego Maradona at Boca Juniors after Copa Libertadores goal More

IT’S been an eventful first year for David Beckham’s Inter Miami.
Their inaugural season as an MLS club might’ve ended up going out with a whimper, missing out on the playoffs, but now plans are in place for their next campaign.

David Beckham’s MLS franchise enjoyed their first full season this yearCredit: Alamy Live News

Already, plans will be afoot to improve a squad that fell short this term.
At a press conference initially announcing the club, Becks made noises during the press that he was regularly speaking to the world’s best talent to lure them to his project.
Chelsea star Olivier Giroud has been recently linked with a move to the club, and has reportedly been offered a £4million apartment to live in. 
While, even Lionel Messi has hinted that he wants to play his final days in the US.

So what can any prospective transfer targets expect from a life in Miami?

David Beckham is hoping to bring the world’s best talent to his Miami teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Join SunSport in lending the former Man United great a hand in making ‘The Magic City’ the go-to destination for the best footballers in the world.
The weather
While you may have to be wary of the odd tropical storm here and there, Miami weather is mostly perfect.
January averages around 20 degrees Celsius, while winter highs range between 23-27 degrees Celsius.

The wet season starts in May and ends mid-October, but the temperatures are between 27-35 degrees Celsius and it’s insanely humid.
Good job the football season starts in May, otherwise it would be hell playing in those conditions.

Blue skies and sunshine decorate the high skyscrapers of MiamiCredit: Getty – Contributor

Miami Beach is the best place for a footballer to top up their tanCredit: Alamy
The beaches
They say life’s a beach… Miami has several from Key Biscayne to North Beach, where prime athletes can bronze themselves on a daily basis.
There’s the 21st to 45th street beach, which runs alongside the Miami Beach boardwalk and South Pointe Park.
Some of the world’s best hotels and restaurants are nearby, so it’s the perfect spot.

South Pointe Park is perfect for a stroll or jog for a Beckham transfer targetCredit: Getty – Contributor

Miami Beach is the perfect location for any footballerCredit: Getty – Contributor
Anyone feeling active could head to Lummus Beach where volleyball courts are available to rent or there’s thatched huts to lounge under.
Haulover Beach boasts white sands and a choppy sea, ideal for surfers. On Tuesday nights there’s a food truck festival with live music and local foods for the whole family.

David Beckham won’t have trouble selling the white sands of Miami BeachCredit: Getty – Contributor
The restaurants
Miami’s cuisine is fit for a king and is influenced by the ocean with plenty of seafood on offer.
Latin American foods are key here, so most restaurants boast many Cuban-influenced dishes – most meaty based.
The most exclusive restaurants in town are Terrazza in the Shore Club Hotel, Zuma in the heart of downtown Miami and Jaya at the Setai Hotel.

Eating by the pool at the Shore Club Hotel is what most sports stars do in Miami
Jaya is a favourite of the likes of Jay Z and Bono whenever they’re in town, with menu highlights including a whole branzino for a reasonable £27.
Terrazza’s Italian by-the pool fare will attract many footballers wanting to load up on carbs.
While Zuma’s light Japanese meals will have weight-conscious footballers frothing at the mouth.

Jay Z and Bono are fans of the Jaya at The Setai hotelCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/

Footballers will love the Asian cuisine on offer at the JayaCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/

Footballers could rest poolside at The Setai hotel during preseasonCredit: Jaya at The Setai, http://www.thesetaihotel.com/
The stadium
Central to David Beckham’s Miami franchise is a super stadium fit for the best players in the world.
The 18,000 all-seater arena is in the Overtown neighborhood, near the Miami River, and was originally met with some controversy from the locals who didn’t think a stadium should be built on the site.
A world-class training centre sits next door to the stadium and boasts first class facilities.

Family and famous friends including Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez Jay Z, Usain Bolt and Neymar welcome David Beckham to Miami
However, be sure that it will be a state-of-the-art venue, not only fit for football, but ready to house concerts featuring the world’s leading pop stars.
Interestingly, it won’t be the biggest stadium in the country, but it’ll surely be a sellout week in/week out with Beckham involved.

David Beckham’s Miami stadium is fit for any top footballerCredit: Splash News
The celebrity culture
After all, this lot can’t be wrong.
The most famous faces in the world choose Miami as a holiday destination, pouring in on their private jets regularly during the summer.
Some celebrities even call Miami home, so any footballer who wants to embrace celebrity culture should look no further.

A Miami-based footballer could be mates with Anna Kournikova and Enrique IglesiasCredit: Getty – Contributor
Anna Kournikova and Enrique Iglesias, Lenny Kravitz, Sean Combs, Matt Damon and Jennifer Lopez all have lavish homes in Miami.
Most opt for Star Island, so expect footballers to be checking out homes in that area.
With footballers making the crossover into movies and TV, major productions in the city are on the rise. Could the team feature in The Rock’s show ‘Ballers’ in a future episode?

David Beckham granted MLS franchise in Miami and reveals he has already received ‘many calls from top players’ keen to play for him

Sean Combs loves living the Miami lifestyleCredit: Getty Images – Getty

You could bump into Jennifer Lopez living in MiamiCredit: Fame Flynet

Matt Damon is an active celebrity in Miami circlesCredit: Getty – Contributor

Sports culture
Anyone moving to Miami will have to be very aware of the sports culture that runs through the city’s veins.
Although the Miami Dolphins haven’t tasted Superbowl success since 1974, they’re steeped in NFL history thanks to legendary quarterback Dan Marino.
The NBA team Miami Heat was the one-time home of LeBron James when they picked up consecutive championships in 2012 and 2013.

The Miami Heat are the most successful sports franchise currently in the cityCredit: USA TODAY Sports

David Beckham’s football team could have cheerleaders like the Miami HeatCredit: Getty – Contributor

David Beckham’s Miami franchise will rival the Miami Dolphins for fansCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Any single footballer may be interested in dating a Miami Dolphin cheerleaderCredit: Corbis

The Miami Marlins are favourites of the Hispanic communityCredit: Getty – Contributor
They’re also represented in the MLB by the Marlins, who are co-owned by NY Yankee great Derek Jeter and have won two World Championships.
Bayside Marketplace
For shopping and dining, incoming footballers will look no further than taking a stroll along Bayside Marketplace.
Wrapping along the bay walls of the bank, it boasts designer shops, posh restaurants and a great vibe that encompasses all that’s great about Miami.
Incidentally, Miami Vice often filmed episodes here, so if it’s good enough for Don Johnson…

Bayside Marketplace offers fine dining and shoppingCredit: Getty – Contributor

Bayside Marketplace was where Miami Vice was mostly filmedCredit: Getty – Contributor

David Beckham tells fans his dream has come true after announcing his new MLS team in Miami
Ocean Drive
No doubt any big-name Beckham signing will be driving a fresh motor.
With that in mind, they’ll definitely want to cruise down Ocean Drive with its surrounding Art Deco hotels and bars.
The Clevelander Hotel, with its bar and massive swimming pool provide a great spot to grab a refresher in the hot heat.
You’ll be mad not to be impressed by the architecture.

Ocean Drive boasts some of Miami’s best hotels and barsCredit: Getty – Contributor

Ocean Drive is a haven for Art Deco buildings and is perfect for footballers to cruise downCredit: Getty – Contributor

Ocean Drive comes alive at nighttime with its bustling nightlifeCredit: Getty – Contributor
Everglades
On the list of must-do things in Miami – and Becks doesn’t even need to sell the tourist haven – is the Everglades.
Unlike anything in the world, it’s your best chance of seeing a crocodile swimming in its natural habitat.
Over 1.5 acres long, the wetlands begin in Orlando at the Kissimmee River and end at Lake Okeechobee.

The Everglades is one of Miami’s most famous tourist attractionsCredit: Getty – Contributor

You could see crocodiles on a tour of the EvergladesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
It’s an amazing experience for any tourist and any future Beckham signing.
So, where do we sign up? More

NO wonder she’s one of the most followed women on Instagram in the world.
Stunning Georgina Rodriguez, 26, has amassed an astonishing 22 million fans on the social media network.

Gorgeous Georgina Rodriguez has amassed over 22 million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram

But what’s Georgina’s most liked Instagram photo?Credit: Instagram

And not only are they given a window into her glam life with Cristiano Ronaldo, they are treated to sexy snaps shared by the Spanish beauty.
Of course, they generate millions of likes – but what is her most well-liked image on Instagram? Let SunSport tell you.
10. HUNG OUT TO DRY
No, not a distant relative of famed board-treader Jeremy.
Here Rodriguez shows she’s not afraid to approach housework by hanging up some washing.

However, the brunette stunner chooses to do things a bit differently.
Showing off her derriere got her 3.2 million likes.

Housework is important to Georgina
9. LADY IN RED
Few women in this world can pull off a red dress.
Luckily for Georgina, she can and this stunning snap made 3.4 million followers click their like buttons.

The photo was celebrating her man.
“My everything,” she wrote as the caption with Ronaldo clinging onto her hands.

Lady in red Georgina stuns in this figure-hugging dress
8. LUNCH IS SERVED
They say a way to man’s heart is through his stomach.
And it appears Georgina subscribes to that theory, serving Cristiano his lunch onboard their private yacht.
She wears a figure-hugging red dress that shows off her curves.
Rodriguez writes with the image that’s liked 3.5 million times: “Enjoy your meal, my love.”

Georgina serves up a treat for Ronaldo’s lunch
7. HOT SUMMER
Georgina’s Instagram is filled with snapshots of her amazing lifestyle.
And one of the perks of being with a superstar footballer is the incredible holidays you get to go on.
Georgina in a blue bikini on Ronaldo’s lap was a particular favourite with 3.5 million followers.
A heart emoji for the caption says it all.

3.5 million followers liked this photo of Georgina sat on Ronaldo’s lap
6. SHE’S MADE-UP
Maintenance is high on Georgina’s things to do.
A former shopping assistant with Gucci, she knows how to look the part.
Dressed in a lacy bodysuit, here she applies eyeliner – and at the same time shows off her incredible body that has 3.6 million likes.
“What your eyes say your soul whispers,” she writes as a caption.

Maintenance is high-up on Georgina’s list of things to do
5. FAMILY COMES FIRST
One of the many themes of Georgina’s Insta is family life.
Often, she will post images of herself with the Ronaldo brood – showing that family comes first.
In this photo liked 3.7 million times they’re sat on the deck of the boot, with Georgina showing off a thong.
They look the perfect family.

The Ronaldos sit on the deck of their yacht
4. BEACH DAY
Continuing the holiday and family theme, the Ronaldos clearly love a beach day.
In an image shared back in August, Georgina carries the buckets and spades as they all dip their toes in the sea.
Georgina’s blue bikini is in full view – as well as Cristiano’s chiselled abs – in a post liked 3.8 million times.
The sensible Wag also wears a baseball cap to save her scalp from sunburn.

Georgina shows off her bikini body on holiday with the family
3. TRUE BEAUTY
No one can argue that Georgina radiates true beauty.
At least 4.1 million followers agree, who all hit their like buttons on an image showing Rodriguez’s flawless complexion.
She’s wearing red – which seems to be her favourite colour – and is, of course, the colour of love.
A gold necklace completes her look she describes in the caption with a fire emoji.

Georgina radiates beauty wearing a gold necklace
2. DATE NIGHT
There’s no doubt about it.
When Georgina and Cristiano go out on a date night, they always look on a point.
And it’s clear that having her man in her photos does bump up the number of likes – 4.6 million on this lovely snap.
“YESS”, Georgina captions the photo – and we don’t disagree.

Nobody does date night better than Georgina and Ronaldo
1. SEALED WITH A KISS
Georgina isn’t afraid of showing her love and admiration for her famous partner.

“How lucky I feel,” she writes in the caption for a photo kissing Ronaldo onboard their yacht.
An incredible 4.9 million followers liked this one.
No wonder she’s happy.

Georgina’s most liked Instagram snap is her kissing Ronaldo

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