Ich kannte die Story auch so, dass er den Spitznamen schon in der Kindheit bekam.
Google sagt:
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/01/chelsea-hulk-career-incredible
Google sagt:
There are several versions of how Givanildo Vieira de Souza came to be known as Hulk and some of them prompt amusing images. It has been suggested that Chelsea's prospective signing owes it all to his likeness to Lou Ferrigno, the bodybuilder/actor who played the Incredible Hulk in the American TV series. Or that the nickname was linked to his time in Japan, when his rippling physique carried the green shirt of Tokyo Verdy.
The reality is a little disappointing. The 25-year-old's father, Djovan, was simply a massive fan of the Ferrigno series and he affectionately bestowed the moniker on his son. And it has stuck.
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jun/01/chelsea-hulk-career-incredible