Former Brazilian football star Adriano, known for his powerful presence on and off the pitch, recently took to social media to confront a scammer who targeted his mother.
The scam involved more than 15,000 reais being stolen from her after someone impersonated Adriano, leading to a dramatic public response from the ex-striker. In a video message shared online, Adriano expressed his anger towards the thief, leaving no room for ambiguity.
“You scoundrel, you better give it back, because I’m going to hunt you down like a demon,” he warned. The former Flamengo and Inter Milan forward made it clear that his family is untouchable, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
“My mother just deposited over 15,000 reais into the account of someone pretending to be me. My mother! You don’t mess with mothers, grandmothers, and family,” Adriano said.
He also clarified a key detail about the scam, explaining that he has never changed his phone number, contrary to what the fraudster led his mother to believe. Adriano issued a stark ultimatum to the criminal: “If you don’t give it back, you’ll see if I don’t find out who you are. You’ll see the devil himself come down to earth. I’ll give you 24 hours.”
The message shows his determination to find the culprit and his readiness to protect his loved ones.
Life in Vila Cruzeiro
Adriano, often nicknamed The Emperor, enjoyed a distinguished football career in Brazil and Europe, playing for top clubs such as Inter Milan, Fiorentina, Roma, and Parma, as well as Sao Paulo, Corinthians, and Athletico Paranaense.
He also scored 27 goals for the Brazilian national team, leaving an indelible mark on the sport with his talent and charisma.
After retiring from professional soccer, Adriano returned to his roots in Vila Cruzeiro, a favela in Rio de Janeiro. Despite its challenges, he described the community as the place where he truly feels respected and connected.
“Vila Cruzeiro isn’t the best place in the world; it’s my place. That’s why I keep coming back here. Here, I am truly respected. Here is my history. Here is where I learned what community means,” he wrote in his reflective text A Letter.
Even beyond the football field, Adriano continues to protect what matters most: his family and his community.
