Adriano reveals father’s death triggered his battle with depression

In Brazil, Adriano, a former football star, opened up about the profound impact of his father's death on his life and career. During his time at Inter Milan, he received the news that his father had passed away, which left him struggling with grief and mental health challenges. Adriano stated that after his father’s death, he felt unable to continue playing effectively for his team, recognizing that he could cause harm to his teammates if he played while emotionally compromised. Consequently, he made the difficult decision to return to Brazil to support his family in their time of need. This tragic moment became a turning point in his career, significantly affecting his performance and leading to his eventual decline in football. Following his departure from Inter Milan, Adriano faced a series of setbacks, including loan moves to various clubs such as Sao Paulo, Flamengo, Roma, and Corinthians. Despite his promising start where he was part of what was dubbed the 'magic quartet' at the 2006 World Cup, alongside legends like Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, and Kaka, he could not replicate the same success in subsequent years. He often struggled to understand the stigmas surrounding mental illness, revealing that many people failed to grasp the depth of his depression despite his outward appearance seemingly suggesting otherwise. His mental health struggles became a broader topic, highlighting the importance of discussing such issues, especially in sports, where vulnerability is often seen as a weakness. Adriano emphasized that after the loss of his father, he required time to grieve and heal, announcing that it was imperative to prioritize his own wellbeing over his career obligations. The support he received from close friends and teammates, such as Javier Zanetti and Ivan Cordoba, provided some solace through this difficult period. Their camaraderie reminded him he was not alone in his experience, contributing to his gradual healing process. The profound emotional toll of his father's death was illustrated in a public exhibition match held in December 2024 at the Maracana. During the event, Adriano was visibly moved when a tribute message from his late father was displayed on screen, prompting overwhelming feelings of grief to resurface. This moment highlighted the lasting impact of his father’s death on his life, illustrating how even years later, the emotional wounds remained raw. Collaborating with past teammates and friends during this exhibition, Adriano celebrated not just his legacy but also the unbreakable bond with his late father, reminding everyone of the emotional complexities athletes face off the field.