Anyone who saw Brazilian striker Hulk terrify defenses during his 3 1/2 years in the J. League knew he was destined for greater things, but the speed with which his star has risen since moving to Europe last summer is remarkable nonetheless.
Now, as he attempts to lead Porto past Manchester United in their Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday, he has the chance to indelibly stamp a name few outside Japan had previously heard of onto the world's consciousness.
After moving to Kawasaki Frontale as a teenager in 2005, Hulk — as his name would suggest — swept through the J. League like a force of nature.