Adriano Leite Ribeiro

Brazilian striker known as 'The Emperor', dominated Serie A in mid-2000s with Inter Milan before personal struggles curtailed his promising career

Adriano Leite Ribeiro was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 17 February 1982. 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.

Powerful striker with exceptional left foot, strong in the air and clinical finisher

Remembered as a supremely talented striker whose career was hampered by personal struggles and inconsistency

• 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 Career

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