Adriano Leite Ribeiro played as a striker and was known for his long-range left-footed strikes. He played for Inter Milan, Parma and Flamengo between 2001 and 2004. He won the 2004 FIFA World Player of the Year and was voted sixth for the Ballon d'Or in 2004 and 2005. He was a key figure in Inter Milan's 2005–06 Scudetto win before his career was, however, marked by inconsistency and a decline in his performances which coincided with the death of his father.