2. Adriano
Adriano has the unflattering record for most Bidone d'Oro awards (3), but he had the potential to win a similar amount of Ballon d'Ors. Inconsistency, bad choices and poor attitude are the reasons for Adriano not reaching the ability many thought he was capable of. After just a season and a half at Brazilian side Flamengo, Adriano was bought by Serie A stars Inter Milan after showing great promise. He played just 8 times in his first season and was sent on loan to division rivals Fiorentina for the rest of the 2001-02 campaign, playing 15 times and scoring 6 goals. Inter then agreed a two-year co-ownership with fellow Serie A club Parma, a spell in which he showed further potential to become a worldwide star. Adriano scored 17 times in 31 games in his first season for Parma, and went on to achieve an even more prolific feat with 8 goals in 9 during the start of the second season before Inter recalled the Brazilian striker. The start of Adriano's second spell at Inter proved much more successful than his first. In his first season, the Brazilian showed further prolificacy by scoring 12 in 18. The same season saw a great scoring rate on an international level with 9 goals in 8 caps, and the Brazilian striker proved why many believed he would be a world-class striker. In the 2004-05 season, Adriano was similarly successful with an incredible campaign consisting of 28 goals in 42 appearances showing the expected scoring rate that many felt he would achieve. Adriano also showed a similar prolific rate on an international level and, whilst being able to score frequently for Brazil in the 2005-06 campaign, he had a relative lack of goals on a domestic level. Compared to the season prior to 05-06, his 18 goals in 47 appearances was hardly impressive, and this was followed up by a campaign in which he scored just 6 goals despite appearing regularly. His meteoric rise to the world stage was followed by a similarly meteoric fall. In the 2006-07 season, Adriano showed a number of personal problems, including the death of his father, in conjunction with his lack of scoring, as well as Brazil coach Dunga calling for him to change his attitude and not calling him up as a result. His work ethic was called into question after a number of poor performances, and he was caught twice partying in nightclubs during the campaign. In February 2007, Adriano missed training due to a hangover as a result of his birthday celebrations the night before, which ultimately led to coach Roberto Mancini benching him for the next two fixtures. His battles with alcoholism as well as his lack of fitness led to club president Massimo Moratti sending the Brazilian to São Paulo on unpaid leave for the second time in 18 months. After express desire to leave Inter, Adriano's agent claimed interest from Manchester City and West Ham whilst denying his desire to return to Brazil. This proved inaccurate as the Brazil native went on to join São Paulo in December 2007 on loan for the remainder of the season. His competitive debut for São Paulo ended with the striker scoring twice and his career looked to be revived. This was ultimately proved wrong by a number of foolish antics - from a suspension due to headbutting an opposing defender, to turning up late to a training session. Subsequently, the Brazilian first division side sent the striker back to Inter before his loan spell was set to end, citing the unrest Adriano was causing as a reason. After returning to Inter, he made a good start to the 2008-09 campaign but in December he received special dispensation to return to Brazil for the winter break earlier than planned, and in the same season he failed to return from international leave which led to his contract with the Milan-based side being rescinded. Adriano went on to enjoy a prolific spell back in Brazil with his first club Flamengo which led to him returning to Serie A with Roma in 2010-11, a season which ended in 11 appearances without scoring and a contract termination in March 2011. Just two weeks after being sent packing by Roma, Adriano signed for Brazilian side Corinthians but was injured just weeks later which resulting in a six-month layoff. He made irregular appearances and showed a lack of interest, ultimately leading to the Brazilian being released by the club in March of the following year. During this spell, Adriano reportedly shot a female in the hand whilst playing with his bodyguard's gun - that story needs no further explanation. Since March 2012, Adriano signed a contract with first club Flamengo for a third spell but failed to appear for the club and was released in the same year. The once-great Brazilian has since been a free agent and has failed to grab the attention of any clubs due to his high wage demands and lack of fitness. Flamengo director has since stated that the striker needs treatment:
"Adriano needs a psychiatrist, he needs treatment. This Adriano of recent years can't play for Flamengo. He is ruining everything"
With the correct mindset and dedication, Adriano could be on top of the world right now. But his party lifestyle, lack of fitness, poor attitude and dumb antics have left the Brazilian without a club and without much hope for the future. Despite being just 31 years of age, his best days are well behind him.
Current Status: Free agent.
What He Could Have Been: Key player for Inter and Brazil.