At the height of his powers, Brazilian striker Adriano was an unstoppable force. Combing strength, size and technique, Adriano was a regular for the Brazilian national team while dominating in Italy’s Serie A. However, his battle with weight, addiction and personal loss ultimately curtailed his short career.
Adriano burst onto the Brazilian scene with Flamengo in 2000. His performances for the historic club saw his value spike to over €13 million, an evaluation that multiple European clubs scrambled to meet.
Adriano’s first real taste of European success came during his time with Parma. He formed an impressive partnership with Adrian Mutu and scored 15 Serie A goals in 28 appearances during the 2002-03 season.
Adriano’s impressive club form was rewarded with a call-up to the Brazilian national team for the 2004 Copa America. Adriano won the Golden Boot as the competition’s leading scorer, and Brazil ultimately won the tournament in dramatic fashion against rivals Argentina.
Adriano’s returns for Inter Milan peaked during the 2004-05 season, when he scored 28 goals across all competitions. The following year, he found the back of the net 19 times. However, the 2006-07 season was disastrous for Adriano. He only managed six goals in 30 games.
After returning home to Brazil for successful spells with Sao Paulo and Flamengo, Roma were intrigued enough to take a risk on the striker. He appeared in eight matches and failed to find the target.
Out of a contract and out of football, Adriano proceeded to add a few pounds to his large frame.
From representing Brazil to repping a favela gang.
Adriano went on trial with Miami United in the USA but failed to land a contract. The latest reports say that Adriano has joined a favela gang in Rio after blowing his personal fortune.