The football world was buzzing with storylines from every corner, and at the heart of many discussions was Adriano's sensational form at Manchester City. His move from Málaga had not only transformed City's attacking prowess but also left a lasting impact on the Spanish club that many doubted would recover so quickly. But contrary to expectations, Málaga had flourished.
When Adriano departed Málaga for Manchester City, many pundits wrote off the Spanish club's chances of remaining competitive. The loss of their star player seemed like a crushing blow, one that would surely send them tumbling down the La Liga table. But against all expectations, Málaga flourished. The massive transfer fee they received was reinvested with precision and ambition, signaling a bold new chapter for the club.
At the heart of this resurgence was Vicente Del Bosque, who took over as manager following his exit from the Spanish national team. His experience and tactical awareness were exactly what Málaga needed. He built a team that combined youth and experience, flair and grit, molding them into one of Spain's most resilient sides. His philosophy was simple: solidify the defense, control the midfield, and punish opponents on the counter.
The New-Look Lineup (4-3-3):
Goalkeeper:Jan Oblak — The towering Slovenian had quickly established himself as one of La Liga's best, with sharp reflexes and a commanding presence.
Defenders:Joao Cancelo and Ricardo Rodriguez patrolled the flanks, offering pace and width in attack while staying disciplined at the back. In central defense, Virgil van Dijk (on loan) partnered with Dejan Lovren, forming a robust barrier that frustrated opposing forwards.
Midfielders:N'Golo Kanté and Ignacio Camacho sat in the engine room, breaking up attacks and dictating the tempo. Kanté's relentless energy complemented Camacho's composure and physicality.
Attackers: On the wings, Juan Cuadrado and Antoine Griezmann stretched defenses, their pace and trickery opening up spaces. Paulo Dybala (on loan) floated just behind the striker, linking play with his creativity and vision.
Striker:Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang spearheaded the attack. His blistering speed and clinical finishing had defenders backpedaling in fear.
The bench was no less impressive. Promising talents like John Stones (on loan), Bruno Fernandes, and Juanmi added depth, while experienced heads like Weligton and Kameni provided stability. Málaga had quietly assembled a squad that could go toe-to-toe with Spain's elite.
Their recruitment strategy was hailed as one of the best in Europe that season:
Aubameyang brought raw pace and a knack for finding the net. Lovren added grit and aerial strength to the backline.
Cancelo and Rodriguez offered dynamism on the wings, comfortable in both defense and attack.
Kanté became the heartbeat of the midfield, winning back possession with tireless energy.
Cuadrado and Griezmann added flair and unpredictability, stretching defenses and linking up with Dybala seamlessly.
Málaga's investment was paying off. After 20 matches, they sat comfortably in 3rd place with 46 points, behind only Real Madrid and Barcelona. It was a position that seemed unthinkable when Adriano left, yet Del Bosque's vision and the squad's cohesion had proven doubters wrong.
Their success wasn't limited to domestic competitions. While their Copa del Rey campaign ended sooner than hoped, Málaga's real impact was felt in the Champions League. They had advanced to the Round of 16, a feat that sent shockwaves through Europe. Analysts began whispering about a new "Fourth Power" in Spanish football, joining the traditional hierarchy of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid.
Analysts credited the young Van Dijk's leadership at the back, Aubameyang's explosive pace up front, and Dybala's creativity for their unexpected surge. They weren't just surviving without Adriano—they were thriving. Del Bosque's tactical discipline and ability to manage egos had transformed Málaga into a side that could no longer be taken lightly.
The rise of Málaga was more than just a fluke; it was a statement. They had retooled, reloaded, and returned stronger. Del Bosque's methods had been vindicated, and the squad's belief was growing with every match. Griezmann and Dybala had become a lethal partnership, while Aubameyang's finishing made them a constant threat. Kanté's presence in midfield allowed them to dominate possession, turning defense into attack with seamless efficiency.
The Spanish press had taken notice. Headlines described Málaga as "The Phoenix of Spain" and "La Liga's Dark Horse." The fans at La Rosaleda roared with new hope, their voices louder than ever. Their Champions League journey was far from over, and their league position was no longer just a surprise—it was a challenge to Spain's elite.
For Adriano, watching from Manchester, it was quite joyful. He had been the catalyst for their success, but Málaga's rise without him spoke to their resilience and ambition. The club he once carried on his back had learned to stand tall on its own—and Europe was starting to take notice. He was happy to see his old club thriving.
****
While Málaga thrived under Vicente Del Bosque's careful stewardship, Adriano was tearing through defenses in England. His move to Manchester City had sparked a revolution at the Etihad, elevating City's attack to new heights and propelling them to the top of the Premier League. His form wasn't just remarkable—it was historic.
Adriano's transition from Málaga to Manchester City seemed almost seamless. In just half a season, he had become the focal point of City's attack, breaking records and setting new standards. His blistering performances in both the Premier League and the Champions League had caught the attention of fans and players worldwide, and the statistics spoke for themselves:
European Golden Boot Race:
1️⃣ Adriano (Manchester City):
Goals: 41
Assists: 23
Appearances: 25
Champions League Group Stage Goals: 15 (New Record)
Champions League Assists: 5 (2nd in the Tournament)
Adriano's numbers were nothing short of extraordinary. He had shattered the Champions League group stage record with 15 goals, surpassing Ronaldo's previous record of 11. His lethal finishing, combined with his instinctive movement and vision, made him a nightmare for defenders. His influence stretched beyond just scoring—his 23 assists were proof of his playmaking ability, threading passes that sliced through defenses. It wasn't just dominance; it was artistry.
2️⃣ Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid):
Goals: 31
Assists: 12
Appearances: 26
Champions League Group Stage Goals: 11
Ronaldo remained relentless in his pursuit of glory. His goal-scoring prowess had kept Real Madrid firmly in the hunt for both La Liga and Champions League titles. Despite being overshadowed by Adriano's group-stage heroics, Ronaldo's 11 goals in Europe were still staggering, reminding the world of his enduring brilliance. He moved with the same explosive pace, his headers bullet-like, and his finishes ruthless. Every match seemed like a statement: he wasn't ready to surrender his throne just yet.
3️⃣ Lionel Messi (Barcelona):
Goals: 28
Assists: 15
Appearances: 27
Champions League Group Stage Goals: 9
Champions League Assists: 7 (Most in the Tournament)
While Messi's start to the season was somewhat muted, the Argentine maestro had found his rhythm as the campaign progressed. His partnership with Neymar and Suárez began to click into gear, terrorizing defenses in Spain and across Europe. Despite trailing Adriano and Ronaldo in goal-scoring, Messi led the Champions League in assists with 7, showcasing his unmatched vision and selflessness. His dribbles left defenders chasing shadows, and his link-up play in the final third remained a marvel.
The football world had branded it the "Golden Trio Chase," with every matchday redefining the narrative. Spanish media poured over Ronaldo's goal-scoring heroics, while English tabloids glorified Adriano's meteoric rise. In Catalonia, Messi's resurgence was heralded as a return to his best. For the first time in years, the conversation of global dominance wasn't limited to just Ronaldo and Messi. Adriano Riveiro, the soon-to-be 19-year-old Portuguese attacking midfielder, had crashed the party.
His audacity on the ball, combined with an almost arrogant flair, made him a fan favorite not just in Manchester, but worldwide. To many, Adriano wasn't just challenging the status quo—he was redefining it. Pundits started to murmur about the dawn of a new era, one that no longer belonged solely to Ronaldo and Messi.
For City fans, his presence felt transformative. "He's not just the future," one supporter said in a BBC interview, "he's the present." Another supporter simply declared, "He's the new King of football. Pelé himself said so, and Adriano is proving it.
The global press echoed the sentiment: The hegemony of Ronaldo and Messi now had a third contender—and his name was Adriano Riveiro.
****
The world of football might have been ablaze with debates over the European Golden Boot, but Adriano's schedule was packed with commitments far beyond the pitch. With a few days off before returning to training for the crucial Champions League clash against Juventus, he found himself en route to London for a brand obligation—his first major photoshoot with Louis Vuitton.
Adriano's assistant, Raul, accompanied him on the trip, his phone constantly buzzing with reminders and updates. The two of them stepped out of the blacked-out SUV in front of a sleek, modern studio in the heart of London, where the Louis Vuitton team was already bustling with preparation. Inside, racks of tailored suits and elegant formal wear awaited, each more luxurious than the last.
A stylist, clipboard in hand, approached them with a bright smile. "Adriano! So glad you could make it. We've got everything ready—let's get you fitted."
Adriano exchanged a quick look with Raul, who nodded encouragingly. "Let's do it," he said, clapping his hands together.
The fitting room was sleek and minimalist, with mirrors stretching from floor to ceiling, reflecting the rows of pristine Louis Vuitton suits lined up neatly along polished racks. Adriano stood in the center, arms slightly raised as a team of tailors circled him like craftsmen fine-tuning a masterpiece. Their hands moved with practiced precision—adjusting cuffs, smoothing lapels, and straightening collars with the care of someone handling fine art.
"Alright, let's start with this one," the head tailor announced, handing Adriano a charcoal-grey suit paired with a crisp white shirt and a narrow black tie.
Adriano slid into the outfit, the fabric smooth against his skin, fitting him as if it had been designed just for him. He buttoned the jacket and turned to the mirror. His eyebrows raised slightly at the reflection staring back at him. The clean lines of the suit accentuated his tall frame, giving him a look of effortless elegance.
Raul, leaning casually against the wall, let out an appreciative whistle. "Not bad, huh?" he grinned, already snapping a photo on his phone.
Adriano adjusted the cuffs, flexing his shoulders. "I might have to start dressing like this more often," he replied, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Raul chuckled. "If you show up to training like that, Pep might think you're there for a board meeting."
Adriano laughed, shaking his head. "Maybe I should. Could probably negotiate my own contract right there."
The head tailor stepped back, nodding with approval. "Perfect fit. Let's move on to the next one."
The studio was buzzing with energy. Photographers adjusted their lenses, assistants darted back and forth with lighting equipment, and stylists fanned out a collection of outfits that looked straight off a runway. Adriano stepped onto the white backdrop, the sharp click of the photographer's camera signaling the start of the shoot.
"Alright, Adriano! Let's get you warmed up," the photographer called out, his accent thick with a hint of French. "Look left... perfect... now give me that confidence. Relax the shoulders... yes, just like that!"
Adriano fell into the rhythm naturally. Each flash of the camera was followed by a subtle adjustment—chin up, shoulders back, eyes forward. The photographer was relentless but encouraging, pushing for the perfect shot.
"Try the midnight blue blazer," one of the stylists called out, handing it over with a smile. Adriano slipped into the jacket, feeling the smoothness of the fabric and the weight of quality craftsmanship. He rolled his shoulders back and stepped back in front of the camera.
The photographer's eyes lit up. "Yes! That's it. Strong, confident. Now turn slightly—good, good... hold that."
Raul, observing from the side, chuckled as he watched Adriano pose with surprising comfort. "Mate, if you weren't scoring goals for fun, you'd be robbing work from these models," he quipped.
Adriano smirked, pausing for a brief moment between shots. "Maybe I'll keep it as a backup plan."
They moved through outfits with a practiced efficiency—sharp pinstriped suits, elegantly tailored overcoats, and even a velvet jacket that hugged his shoulders perfectly. When Adriano stepped out in the velvet number, Raul let out a low whistle. "Mate, you could walk right into Downton Abbey like that."
Adriano chuckled, shaking his head. "I'd probably mess up their tea parties," he joked.
Raul raised an eyebrow. "You? In those boots? They'd throw you out before you reached the front door."
Adriano laughed, adjusting his cuffs for the next shot. Little did he know, that throwaway comment would come back around sooner than he could have imagined.
The final clicks of the camera signaled the end of the session. Adriano stepped down from the set, rolling his neck and stretching his arms. The head stylist approached him, clapping her hands together. "Fantastic work, Adriano. You made it look effortless."
He shook her hand, offering a polite nod. "Thank you. You guys made it easy."
Raul slipped beside him, still scrolling through the photos he had snapped on his phone. "You ready for a break?" he asked.
Adriano nodded. "Yeah, I could use some air... and maybe something to eat."
As they walked towards the exit, Raul patted him on the back. "Not bad for your first fashion shoot, huh?"
Adriano laughed, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "I guess I'll stick to football for now. But it's good to know I've got options."
Raul smirked. "Just wait until you see the billboards. London won't know what hit them."
Adriano shook his head with a grin. "One step at a time, Raul. One step at a time."
****
The Louis Vuitton photoshoot had finally wrapped up, the last flash of the camera signalling the end of hours of posing and adjustments. Adriano stretched out his arms, shaking off the stiffness from holding perfect posture for too long. Raul clapped him on the back. "Not bad for a first-timer," he joked, flicking through photos on his phone. "You're practically a natural."
"Yeah, well, I don't think I'll be quitting football anytime soon," Adriano replied, rolling his shoulders.
As they made their way toward the exit, a tall man in a tailored grey coat approached them. His hair was neatly combed, and he carried himself with a kind of relaxed confidence. He extended a hand as he reached them. "Adriano. Raul. Pleasure to meet you both. I'm Thomas Marwood, director of Downton Abbey."
Adriano raised an eyebrow and glanced at Raul, who simply shrugged. "Downton Abbey?" Adriano asked, sounding genuinely curious. "That's the show with all the fancy dinners and... dramatic stares, right?"
Thomas laughed heartily. "That's one way to describe it," he said. "We're finishing up our final season—it's airing this September. Huge event for us. And we were hoping to make it a bit more... memorable."
Raul leaned in, curious. "And how does Adriano fit into all this?"
Thomas clasped his hands together. "I wanted to ask... how would you feel about making a guest appearance in the season finale?"
Adriano blinked, clearly caught off guard. He let out a small laugh. "Me? In a TV show? I've never acted a day in my life. I just kick a ball around," he replied, grinning.
Thomas waved off the concern. "It's nothing dramatic, I assure you. We're planning a grand wedding scene—a ballroom party of sorts. One of the key scenes involves some of the aristocrats mediating a matter, and one of our producers, who's a massive football fan, pitched the idea of having you there. We thought it would be a brilliant nod to modern royalty, in a sense."
Raul raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And the schedule? He's got a pretty packed calendar coming up," he asked, arms crossed thoughtfully.
Thomas nodded understandingly. "I completely understand. It would be right after the season ends. Two, maybe three days of shooting at most. And I promise it won't interfere with his training or other obligations." He paused, clearly ready to sweeten the deal. "Not to mention the exposure. Downton Abbey is global. It's a different audience—people who might not follow football but would recognize you instantly if you showed up on their screens. It could make you a household name beyond just the sport."
Adriano scratched his chin thoughtfully, glancing at Raul. "I guess... I wouldn't have to do much talking, right?"
Thomas smiled. "Minimal dialogue. You'd just have to look sharp and act important. I think you've got that down pretty well," he said, chuckling.
Raul, now visibly interested, nudged Adriano. "Honestly, mate, it sounds like a good move. Couple of days, big exposure, and it's after the season. Doesn't sound like a bad idea."
Adriano nodded, extending his hand towards Thomas. "Alright, I'm in. But only if it's after the season ends and it doesn't take more than three days. I've got a bit of football to handle, you know?"
Thomas shook his hand eagerly, his grip firm. "Deal. I'll have my assistant reach out with the details. I can't tell you how thrilled the cast is going to be. Looking forward to it, Adriano."
As Thomas walked away, clearly excited to lock things in, Raul turned to Adriano with a grin. "Guess I'll need to book you some acting lessons, eh?"
Adriano laughed, shaking his head. "Nah, I'll just get some tips from Kate when she's here. Pretty sure she's watched enough TV to coach me through it."
Raul smirked. "Yeah, I'm sure Gossip Girl and Friends are great prep for 1920s aristocracy."
Adriano chuckled. "Hey, if I can score goals against Juventus, I can definitely walk around in a fancy suit for ten minutes."
Raul laughed. "Mate, if you pull it off, I'm calling you 'Lord Adriano' from now on."
Adriano shook his head, still smiling as they headed for the car. "One thing at a time, Raul. One thing at a time."
****
With the photoshoot and the unexpected Downton Abbey meeting behind them, Adriano and Raul made their way through the bustling streets of London toward the SickKids Foundation Hospital. Adriano had been looking forward to this visit—it wasn't just part of his ambassador role; it was something he genuinely cared about.
The hospital building stood tall, its façade softened by bright murals and cheerful banners. Balloons swayed gently in the breeze at the entrance, and a few nurses waved warmly as Adriano stepped out of the car. "Welcome back, Mr. Riveiro," one of them greeted with a smile.
"Please, just call me Adriano," he replied, shaking her hand. He always insisted on that—no formalities. Not here.
They were led inside, where the walls were decorated with vibrant drawings and messages of hope from children. "You see that one?" Raul whispered, pointing to a framed sketch of a stick figure with a football. Underneath it read: Future World Champion.
Adriano grinned. "I think I might have some competition," he replied, nudging Raul with a grin.
They were guided into a large recreation room, bustling with activity. Tables were set up with board games, coloring books, and puzzles. A soft hum of excitement rippled through the room as the children caught sight of him. "Adriano! It's really him!" one of them shouted, causing heads to turn and smiles to spread.
Adriano waved and walked straight over, kneeling down to eye level with a small group of kids. "Hey there! How's everyone doing?"
The kids immediately gathered around, their eyes filled with excitement and awe. Adriano wasted no time, reaching into a large duffel bag he had brought along. "I brought a few things... hope you like them," he said, pulling out signed footballs, sketchbooks, City jerseys, and even a couple of his new AR10 boots.
A young boy, probably around ten, stepped forward with a Manchester City scarf wrapped tightly around his neck. His eyes were bright with wonder as he stared at the items. "Are those... are those really yours?" he asked, pointing at the black-and-gold AR10 boots.
Adriano smiled and picked up the boots, holding them out for the boy to touch. "They are. I wore these against Bayern in the Champions League," he said warmly.
The boy's jaw dropped. "You scored that volley! The one that curled past Neuer!"
Adriano chuckled, ruffling the boy's hair. "I did. You watched that game?"
"Of course! My dad and I watched it together. He said it was one of the best goals he's ever seen."
Adriano's smile softened. "Well, I'm glad you liked it. And hey, these boots are going up for auction soon. All the money from it is going to help kids just like you."
The room broke into applause, the kids clapping excitedly while the nurses joined in. Adriano took his time with each one, signing shirts, posing for photos, and even playing a quick game of table football with a few of the older kids. Laughter and smiles filled the room, the kind that made you forget, even for just a moment, where you were.
After about an hour of games and gifts, Adriano found himself sitting next to a girl with short brown hair and bright eyes. She was drawing on a sketchpad, her tongue poking out in concentration. Adriano leaned over. "What are you working on?"
She looked up, a bit shy at first, but then turned the sketchpad around. It was a drawing of him, holding a football with a massive grin. "That's me?" he asked, genuinely impressed.
She nodded, smiling. "I saw you on TV... you're my favorite player."
Adriano took the sketchpad gently. "This is amazing. Think I could keep it?"
Her eyes lit up. "Really? You want to keep it?"
"Absolutely," Adriano said. He signed the bottom corner of the page. "And I want you to sign it too. Deal?"
She giggled and took the pen, scribbling her name next to his. "There," she said proudly.
He handed it back to her. "Actually, I want you to hold on to it for me. Next time I visit, I'll look for it."
"Promise?"
"Promise," Adriano said, shaking her hand firmly.
As he stood up and prepared to leave, the children gathered around him for one last round of goodbyes. He waved to each of them, making sure to meet every eye and give every smile.
Outside, as he and Raul made their way back to the car, Raul clapped him on the back. "Not a bad day, huh? Photoshoots, TV show offers, and spending time with the kids."
Adriano glanced back at the hospital entrance, the image of smiling faces still vivid in his mind. "Not bad at all," he replied quietly. "I think... I want to do more of this."
Raul gave him a nod. "We will. Plenty more."
Adriano straightened his jacket, taking a deep breath. "Right then. Back to work. Juventus won't wait for us."
Raul smirked. "Big game coming up. But I reckon you've got it covered."
Adriano smiled back. "Let's make sure of it."