Hulk leapfrogs ex-Brazil team-mate Neymar in elite global list as 39-year-old continues fine form with crucial late equaliser for Atletico Mineiro

Hulk continues to prove age is no barrier, after netting a vital late equaliser for Atletico Mineiro that propelled him above Neymar in the ranking of top active goal scorers in the world. It was his 443rd career goal, edging him just ahead of the Santos star, who now trails with 442. Atletico Mineiro salvaged a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Copa do Brazil third round tie against Maringa thanks to Hulk's heroics.

While Hulk continues to thrive, Neymar finds himself sidelined due to a lingering thigh injury. The Santos forward is currently in rehabilitation, with no confirmed timeline for his return to competitive action.

Hulk rose to prominence with FC Porto in Portugal, where he won multiple domestic titles and shone in European competition. A subsequent move to Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg saw him continue his scoring exploits before he took his talents to China, where he spent five prolific years with Shanghai SIPG. Since returning to Brazil in 2021, Hulk has been the focal point of Atlético Mineiro’s attack.
He has found the net 11 times and provided one assist in just 18 appearances across all competitions so far this term, a remarkable return for a player in the twilight of his career. His tally of 443 career goals puts him just behind Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, who has 446 goals to his name. England captain Harry Kane follows closely with 447.

Topping this distinguished list of active goalscorers is none other than Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains a phenomenon with 934 career goals. Behind him is Lionel Messi, boasting 858 goals, followed by Poland’s Robert Lewandowski at 710. Other names in this elite group include Luis Suárez (587), Karim Benzema (494), and Edinson Cavani (462).

Atletico Mineiro fans won’t have to wait long to see their talisman back in action as Hulk is expected to lead the line again on Monday as the team takes on Juventude in a Brazilian Serie A fixture.