Brazilian · Rio de Janeiro, Brazil · Born 17 February 1982Brazilian striker known as 'The Emperor', dominated Serie A in mid-2000s with Inter Milan before personal struggles curtailed his promising career
Between 2003 and 2005, Adriano was the most powerful striker in world football — 25 Serie A goals, then 28, then a Copa América title with Brazil in 2004 in which he scored seven goals and a defining volley in the final — before the death of his father triggered a collapse that effectively ended his career before he was 25. He came through Flamengo's academy before Inter Milan invested in him, loaning him to Fiorentina and Parma to develop. His peak between 2003 and 2005 was astonishing — he was the most powerful, technically gifted striker in world football. He scored 25 Serie A goals in 2003-04 and 28 in 2004-05. He won the Copa América with Brazil in 2004, scoring seven goals including a defining volley in the final. He was named South American Footballer of the Year in 2004. However, the 2004 death of his father from a heart attack devastated him. He turned to alcohol, suffered severe depression and his weight ballooned. His career effectively ended by his mid-20s despite years of attempted comebacks at Parma, São Paulo, Flamengo and others. He is football's most tragic example of unlimited potential never fulfilled — he was described by Ronaldo as the most talented Brazilian he ever played alongside.
Being one of the most feared strikers in world football during his peak at Inter Milan
His left-foot shot was measured as one of the most powerful ever recorded in football during his peak years.
Did You Know?How They Played
Powerful striker with exceptional left foot, strong in the air and clinical finisher
Lasting Impact
Remembered as a supremely talented striker whose career was hampered by personal struggles and inconsistency
Career Honours
- Copa América 2004
- Serie A (Inter Milan)
- 45 Brazil caps, 27 goals
- Serie A 2005-06
- Serie A 2006-07
- Serie A 2007-08
- FIFA Confederations Cup 2005
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamengo | 2000–2001 | — | 45 | 14 |
| Inter Milan | 2001–2002 | — | 8 | 1 |
| Fiorentina | 2002–2002 | loan | 15 | 6 |
| Parma | 2002–2004 | — | 37 | 23 |
| Inter Milan | 2004–2009 | — | 115 | 47 |
| São Paulo | 2008–2008 | loan | 19 | 11 |
| Flamengo | 2009–2010 | — | 32 | 19 |
| Roma | 2010–2011 | — | 5 | 0 |
| Corinthians | 2011–2012 | — | 7 | 2 |
| Flamengo | 2012–2012 | — | 0 | 0 |
| Atlético Paranaense | 2014–2014 | — | 1 | 0 |
| Miami United | 2016–2016 | — | 0 | 0 |
 Brazil | — | — | 48 | 27 |
Brazilian Athletes