Adriano Leite Ribeiro (born February 17, 1982), commonly known simply as Adriano, is a Brazilian former professional footballer. A powerful striker known for his long range left footed strikes, Adriano's career was however marked by inconsistency. One of the best strikers in the world in the mid 2000's, he had five prolific seasons in Italy with Parma and Inter Milan, earning the nickname L'Imperatore (the Emperor), before a decline in his performances which coincided with the death of his father.
Adriano started his career in 1999, in Flamengo's youth squad and earned promotion to the senior squad one year later. He made his team debut on 2 February 2000 against Botafogo. He scored a goal against São Paulo in the same competition 4 days later.
Adriano was a left-footed player, who was gifted with excellent ball control, dribbling ability, and creativity. He was also a strong forward, with an eye for goal, and an immensely powerful striker of the ball with his left foot, as well as was an accurate free-kick taker; he was also effective in the air, and had the ability to link-up with his teammates and provide assists. Regarded as a highly promising player in his youth, Adriano's qualities and playing style drew comparisons with that of compatriot Ronaldo, and he was even initially regarded as his potential successor in the media. Despite his natural talent, Adriano's consistency, character, fitness, and work-rate were brought into question after the death of his father; moreover, his struggles with depression and alcoholism, combined with his hedonistic and turbulent lifestyle off the pitch, as well as his personal troubles, injury struggles, and lack of discipline in training, also contributed to his significant weight gain as his career progressed. Due to his inconsistency in later years, he was widely regarded in the media for failing to live up to his initial potential.
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Adriano now has a new opportunity, back at the club where it all began. Adriano is the new manager of Flamengo. At 38 years of age, he is a very young manager, with a lot to prove. This is his first chance at management after his playing career ended in 2016. Expectations will be high, but he will have the support of the fans as one of their own. His focus is to do as well as he can with the club that gave him his professional debut.
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Adriano started his career in 1999, in Flamengo's youth squad and earned promotion to the senior squad one year later. He made his team debut on 2 February 2000 against Botafogo. He scored a goal against São Paulo in the same competition 4 days later.
Adriano was a left-footed player, who was gifted with excellent ball control, dribbling ability, and creativity. He was also a strong forward, with an eye for goal, and an immensely powerful striker of the ball with his left foot, as well as was an accurate free-kick taker; he was also effective in the air, and had the ability to link-up with his teammates and provide assists. Regarded as a highly promising player in his youth, Adriano's qualities and playing style drew comparisons with that of compatriot Ronaldo, and he was even initially regarded as his potential successor in the media. Despite his natural talent, Adriano's consistency, character, fitness, and work-rate were brought into question after the death of his father; moreover, his struggles with depression and alcoholism, combined with his hedonistic and turbulent lifestyle off the pitch, as well as his personal troubles, injury struggles, and lack of discipline in training, also contributed to his significant weight gain as his career progressed. Due to his inconsistency in later years, he was widely regarded in the media for failing to live up to his initial potential.
Adriano now has a new opportunity, back at the club where it all began. Adriano is the new manager of Flamengo. At 38 years of age, he is a very young manager, with a lot to prove. This is his first chance at management after his playing career ended in 2016. Expectations will be high, but he will have the support of the fans as one of their own. His focus is to do as well as he can with the club that gave him his professional debut.
Welcome to Adriano's Adventure!
