#2 Adriano
Part of the Brazilian “Golden Generation” consisting of Kaka, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo, Adriano was another high-profile attacker who took Europe by storm. Known for his shot power and physicality, combined with excellent technical ability, in his prime, he was one of the most in-demand strikers in world football. Like a number of other Brazilian imports, Adriano’s off the pitch lifestyle was the main reason for his decline in form.
Playing for Inter Milan in the mid-2000s, Adriano received his best ever FIFA rating with the release of FIFA 06 where he was given an overall of 94, making him one of the best strikers in the game after the likes of Thierry Henry. In the next edition, there was a significant fall in his ratings which fell 88.
The trend continued and the sharp fall continued: the following three instalments of FIFA saw Adriano’s rating fall 8 more points to 80 in FIFA 10, when the striker was supposed to be peaking at the ripe age of 27. Plagued by weight issues and a lack of training ethic, Adriano soon moved to Roma for a season and then to Brazil.
He retired from the game in 2012, with his last appearance on the FIFA series being with Brazilian club Corinthians where he had a rating of 78 at the age of 30. A sad ending for a naturally talented striker who once looked like a natural successor to Ronaldo’s throne in the Brazilian team.
