FFormer Brazilian soccer player Adriano, known for his strong presence on and off the pitch, recently confronted a scammer who targeted his mother on social media.
The scam involved more than R15,000 being stolen from her after someone impersonated Adriano, leading to a dramatic public reaction from the former striker. In a video message shared online, Adriano left no room for ambiguity and expressed his anger at the thieves.
“Give me back your money, you scoundrel, and I will hunt you down like the devil,” he warned. The former Flamengo and Inter Milan forward revealed that his family is untouchable, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
“My mother deposited more than 15,000 reais into the account of someone pretending to be me. My mother! Please do not touch my mother, my grandmother, or my family,” Adriano said.
He also revealed important details about the scam, explaining that contrary to what the scammer had led his mother to believe, he had never changed his phone number. Adriano gave the criminal a harsh ultimatum. “If you do not return it, I will search you. You will see the devil come down to earth. I will give you 24 hours.”
This message shows his determination to find the culprit and his determination to protect those he loves.
Life at Villa Cruzeiro
Adriano, 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 São Paulo, Corinthians and Athletico Paranaense.
He also scored 27 goals for the Brazilian national team, leaving an indelible mark on the sporting world with his talent and charisma.
After retiring from professional football, Adriano returned to his roots in Vila Cruzeiro, a favela in Rio de Janeiro. Despite the challenges, he said the community is a place where he truly feels respected and connected.
“Vila Cruzeiro is not the best place in the world. This is my place. That’s why I come back. I’m really respected here. This is my history. This is where I learned the meaning of community,” he writes in his reflective A Letter.
Beyond the soccer field, Adriano continues to protect what matters most: his family and community.
