Adriano (footballer, born January 1982)
A Brazilian striker whose thunderous left foot and aerial dominance made him a feared goal-poacher across Europe and Asia.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Brazilian footballer·Birthday: January 21·Millennials
Biography
Adriano Ferreira Martins, known simply as Adriano, carved out a respectable career as a classic number nine, a physical presence who thrived on service into the box. Unlike his more famous namesake, 'The Emperor,' this Adriano's journey was one of a determined journeyman. He made his mark in Turkey with Beşiktaş, where his robust style and keen eye for goal endeared him to fans. His path then took him to Spain, Italy, and back to Turkey, with stops at clubs like Sevilla, Roma, and Barcelona (the Ecuadorian side), showcasing his adaptability. While never a global superstar, Adriano represented a certain breed of professional striker: reliable, strong, and capable of moments of spectacular finishing that decided tight matches.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Adriano was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Adriano Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Adriano's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup with Beşiktaş in 2006 and 2007, respectively.
- Scored over 50 goals across all competitions during his two stints with Beşiktaş.
- Played in Serie A for A.S. Roma during the 2010-11 season, contributing in a squad role.
- Earned a single cap for the Brazilian national team in 2003.
Did You Know?
He is often distinguished from the Inter Milan star by the suffix 'Le Ribeiro' or his full name, Adriano Ferreira Martins.
He scored a memorable bicycle kick goal for Beşiktaş against Liverpool in the 2007-08 Champions League group stage.
After retiring, he transitioned into a role as a player's agent.
“A striker's job is to be in the right place when the cross arrives.”
