From Reject to Legend

The photo of Adriano Riveiro sitting with Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Mendes in a Madrid café spread like wildfire across social media and news outlets. The headlines were bold and speculative:

"Adriano Meets Ronaldo and Mendes: Is He Joining Portugal for the World Cup?"

"Málaga's Wonder Boy Set to Represent Portugal?"

"Adriano Riveiro: The Next Star of Portuguese Football?"

Fans and pundits alike were buzzing with excitement and curiosity. The image of Adriano, the 17-year-old sensation, sitting alongside one of the greatest footballers of all time and the most powerful agent in the sport, was enough to send shockwaves through the football world.

For Adriano, the meeting had been a turning point. Ronaldo's words about representing Portugal had struck a chord, and Mendes' offer to represent him had solidified his status as one of the most sought-after young talents in the game. But now, the decision he had been avoiding could no longer be postponed. The national team question was front and center, and the world was waiting for his answer.

Within days of the meeting, the invitations arrived. Both the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) reached out to Adriano, each eager to secure his allegiance.

The first call came from Fernando Santos, the head coach of the Portuguese national team.

"Adriano, it's Fernando Santos. I've spoken with Cristiano, and we're all very excited about the possibility of you joining the squad. You're exactly the kind of player we need—someone who can control the midfield and create opportunities. What do you say?"

Adriano took a deep breath. "Thank you, Coach. It's an honor to be considered. I need some time to think about it, but I'll let you know soon."

The next call was from Tite, the head coach of the Brazilian national team.

"Adriano, it's Tite. We've been following your progress, and we're very impressed. You're one of the most exciting young players in the world right now. We'd love to have you in the squad. Brazil is your home, and we want you to represent your country."

Adriano thanked Tite for the offer but reiterated that he needed time to make a decision. The choice wasn't easy. On one hand, Portugal offered him a clearer path to playing time and the chance to play alongside legends like Ronaldo. On the other hand, Brazil was his birthplace, and representing the Seleção had always been a dream.

As news of the national team invitations spread, fans from both Portugal and Brazil took to social media to voice their opinions. The reactions were passionate and, at times, polarizing.

Portuguese Fans:

"Adriano would be a perfect fit for Portugal! We need a midfielder like him!"

"Imagine Adriano and Ronaldo playing together. The future of Portuguese football is bright!"

"He's already a legend in Málaga. Let's make him a legend for Portugal too!"

Brazilian Fans:

"How can he even consider playing for Portugal? He was born in Brazil!"

"If he chooses Portugal, he's betraying his roots. He's not a true Brazilian."

"He doesn't even play with the Brazilian style. Where's the 'Jogo Bonito' in him?"

The debate raged on, with fans from both sides passionately defending their positions. Some Brazilian fans argued that Adriano's style of play—more tactical and disciplined—didn't align with the free-flowing, creative "Jogo Bonito" that Brazil was known for. Others accused him of turning his back on his homeland for personal gain.

Adriano, however, remained focused. He knew that no matter what decision he made, there would be backlash. But he also knew that he had to choose the path that felt right for him.

After days of deliberation, Adriano made his decision. His mother also played a crucial role as she told him to pick Portugal, otherwise she'll give him a beating. His poor dad tried to speak up for Brazil, but he was silenced under the wrathful eyes of his mom.

Adriano called Fernando Santos and accepted the offer to represent Portugal. The news was met with excitement from Portuguese fans and media, who saw Adriano as the future of their national team.

At a press conference held at Málaga's training ground, Adriano explained his decision.

"I've thought long and hard about this, and I've decided to represent Portugal. This country has given me so much, and I feel a deep connection to it. I'm honored to wear the Portugal jersey and look forward to contributing to the team's success."

He also addressed the criticism from Brazilian fans.

"I understand the disappointment from some Brazilian fans, and I want to make it clear that this decision wasn't made lightly. Brazil will always be a part of me, but Portugal is where I've grown up and started playing, and where I feel I can make the biggest impact. Brazil team has too many talented players, and I don't want to replace anybody, neither can I accept being a substitute. I hope everyone can respect my choice."

Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been instrumental in Adriano's decision, publicly supported him. In an interview with *Marca*, Ronaldo said:

"Adriano is an incredible talent, and I'm thrilled that he's chosen to represent Portugal. He's the kind of player who can take our national team to the next level. I can't wait to play alongside him."

Ronaldo's endorsement added weight to Adriano's decision and helped ease some of the backlash from Brazilian fans. It also signaled a passing of the torch, with Ronaldo recognizing Adriano as the future of Portuguese football.

A week after announcing his decision, Adriano received his first call-up to the Portuguese national team for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The moment he saw his name on the squad starting list, a wave of emotions washed over him. This was it—the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.

As he packed his bags for the national team camp, Adriano couldn't help but reflect on his journey. From the dusty pitches of Lisbon to the hallowed grounds of Camp Nou, he had come a long way. And now, he was about to take the next step in his career.

The Portuguese national team camp was a world unto itself. The facilities were state-of-the-art, and the atmosphere was electric. Adriano was greeted warmly by his new teammates, many of whom he had admired from afar.

"Welcome to the team, Adriano," Ronaldo said, clapping him on the back. "You're going to do great things here."

The training sessions were intense, with Adriano quickly proving that he belonged. His vision, passing, and composure on the ball impressed the coaches and his teammates alike. By the end of the first week, it was clear that Adriano was not just there to make up the numbers—he was there to make an impact.The Portuguese national team camp was a world unto itself. The facilities were state-of-the-art, and the atmosphere was electric. Adriano was greeted warmly by his new teammates, many of whom he had admired from afar.

Ronaldo, as the team captain, took Adriano under his wing.

"Here we are just another footballer. Being a star doesn't mean anything if your team loses. National prid is something you can't replace with millions." He also introduced him to other players like Pepe, Cancelo, Patricio and Nani.

The Estádio da Luz was a cauldron of noise. Over 65,000 Portuguese fans had packed the stands, waving red and green flags, chanting in unison as they awaited kickoff.

The final round of World Cup qualifiers had arrived. Portugal was already qualified for their spot in Brazil world cup , and tonight, they faced Peru—a team that had fought hard throughout the qualifiers but now stood between Portugal and the World Cup.

But the biggest story of the night wasn't just qualification.

It was the debut of Adriano Riveiro.

The 17-year-old prodigy had been the talk of world football in recent months, dazzling La Liga with Málaga, earning comparisons to the greats, and finally choosing to represent Portugal over Brazil.

Now, he was about to step onto the field wearing the Seleção das Quinas jersey for the first time.

From the VIP section of the stadium, his parents, Rosa and Julio Riveiro, watched anxiously, their faces beaming with pride. Their son had come so far—from the dusty streets of Porto to the grandest stage in football.

Down in the tunnel, Adriano took deep breaths, stretching his fingers as he bounced on his feet. Next to him stood Cristiano Ronaldo, the man who had helped convince him to choose Portugal.

Ronaldo turned to him and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"You ready for this, man?" he asked, a knowing smirk on his face.

Adriano exhaled, nodding. "Yeah. I'm ready."

Ronaldo chuckled. "You better be. Because tonight, the world is watching."

With that, the referee blew his whistle, and the players stepped onto the pitch.

The roar of the crowd was deafening.

From the moment the match started, Portugal dominated possession.

Fernando Santos had placed Adriano in central midfield, trusting him to dictate play and link up with Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva in attack.

And from the very first touch, it was clear he belonged.

Adriano received a pass from João Cancelo near the halfway line.

A Peruvian midfielder rushed in to press him, but with a silky first touch, Adriano flicked the ball past him and turned in one motion.

The crowd gasped at the effortless skill.

Now facing forward, he lifted his head and spotted Ronaldo making a run behind the defense.

With a perfectly weighted through ball, he split two defenders and sent Ronaldo through on goal.

The Portuguese captain controlled it, took a touch past the goalkeeper, and slotted it home.

GOAL! 1-0 PORTUGAL!

The stadium exploded.

Ronaldo turned back immediately, pointing straight at Adriano before running over to him.

"That's an amazing pass man!" Ronaldo grinned, pulling Adriano into a hug.

Adriano grinned back, his heart racing. He had just provided his first international assist—in under 10 minutes.

From the VIP section, his parents were on their feet, clapping and cheering. Rosa wiped away a tear, while Julio patted her back proudly.

Their son was playing for their nation. And he was thriving.

Portugal continued to dominate, pushing Peru deeper into their own half.

In the 27th minute, Bernardo Silva whipped in a cross from the right side.

The ball deflected off a defender and fell to Adriano at the edge of the box.

Without hesitation, he took it on the volley.

The strike was perfect—powerful and precise, curling into the top corner past the helpless Peruvian goalkeeper.

GOOOOAAAALLLL! 2-0 !

The stadium erupted.

Adriano ran to the corner flag, sliding on his knees as his teammates swarmed him.

"That's how you do it!" Ronaldo yelled, ruffling Adriano's hair as the rest of the team joined in.

Up in the stands, Rosa had her hands over her mouth in shock, and Julio was shouting, his voice lost in the cheers around him.

Their son had just scored for Portugal.

And he had done it in style.

Before halftime, Portugal struck again.

Adriano picked up the ball in midfield, danced past two Peruvian players with quick footwork, and then played a no-look pass through the defense to Ronaldo.

CR7 took one touch, then fired into the net.

GOAL! 3-0 PORTUGAL!

This time, Ronaldo pointed to Adriano, nodding in approval and pride.

The young midfielder was running the show.

The second half began with Portugal playing with confidence.

The Peruvian players were frustrated, unable to contain Adriano's movement and vision.

In the 54th minute, the counterattack started with Bernardo Silva feeding Adriano in midfield. He passe it to Ronaldo who made a run through the wing, then crossed it to Adriano.

Adriano, noticing that the defense was backing off, drove forward.

Just outside the penalty box, he faked a pass to Ronaldo, causing two defenders to hesitate—then, with a quick shift of his feet, he ripped a low shot into the bottom corner.

GOAL! 4-0 PORTUGAL!

Adriano jumped into the air, pumping his fist as the crowd chanted his name. His teammates piled on him as they celebrated.

portugal was still not stopping .

In the 68th minute, João Cancelo sent a low cross into the box.

Ronaldo was marked, but Adriano ghosted into the area unmarked.

He met the ball with a clinical first-time finish, sending it past the goalkeeper.

GOOOOAAAALLLL! ADRIANO COMPLETES HIS HAT-TRICK on his national debut!! This is one for the record books!!!

The stadium went insane.

Ronaldo grabbed Adriano by the shoulders, shaking him excitedly.

"A hat-trick on your debut?!" Ronaldo laughed. "That's insane!"

The rest of the team hugged Adriano, cheering him on.

From the stands, Rosa was crying tears of joy, while Julio stood, clapping with pride.

Portugal wasn't done.

In the 82nd minute, Rafael Leão broke down the left wing and sent a low cross into the box.

This time, it was Bruno Fernandes who tapped it in.

GOAL! 6-0 PORTUGAL!

The final whistle blew minutes later.

Portugal had destroyed Peru, securing their place in the World Cup with style.

As Adriano left the pitch, the entire stadium stood and applauded him.

A hat-trick on his national debut .

Two assists for Ronaldo.

A Man of the Match performance on his debut.

After celebrating with his teammates, Adriano spotted his parents in the stands and ran over.

His mother hugged him tightly, whispering, "We're so proud of you."

His father, still emotional, patted his back. "You were magnificent, son."

Adriano tried calling Hailee to share the news, but the call kept going to voicemail.

Just then, Ronaldo walked over, flashing a smile.

"So, these are the people responsible for raising a superstar," Ronaldo said warmly.

Rosa smiled proudly . "It's such an honor to meet you, Cristiano. Our son grew up trying to be a good player like you."

Julio shook Ronaldo's hand firmly. "You've been an inspiration for my son. Thank you for guiding him."

Ronaldo chuckled. "He doesn't need much guidance—he's already special. I should thank you for raising such great talent and a good person. Your support means a lot to him."

As Adriano looked at his family and his captain, he realized…

This was just the beginning.

The World Cup was next. And Portugal had a new star.