The days that followed the meeting with Ronaldo and Mendes were an emotional rollercoaster for Adriano. The media frenzy surrounding the photo of him with two of football's biggest names only added to the pressure he was feeling.
The headlines screamed with speculation, and every major outlet seemed to have an opinion on what his next move would be. But for Adriano, the excitement and attention were a double-edged sword. As much as he appreciated the recognition, the weight of the decision he had to make was becoming heavier by the day.
The calls from the two national teams were the culmination of the intense speculation. Both Portugal and Brazil wanted him, each offering a unique set of promises and challenges. But it wasn't just about football. For Adriano, this was a decision that would shape his identity and his future.
Representing Brazil was a dream he had held since childhood, yet playing for Portugal meant joining a team of world-class talent, including his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The call from Fernando Santos came first. Adriano had been preparing for it, but hearing the coach's voice on the other end still made his heart race.
"Adriano, it's Fernando Santos," the coach began, his voice warm but professional. "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 paused, letting the words sink in. He respected Santos, but more than anything, he respected the team he could join—a team that included Ronaldo, Nani, Pepe and Coentrao and so many other incredible players. It was hard to deny that the opportunity to play alongside his idol, to contribute to Portugal's legacy, was incredibly appealing.
"Thank you, Coach. It's an honor to be considered," Adriano replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "I need some time to think about it, but I'll let you know soon."
The conversation ended, and Adriano sat back, his mind racing. The prospect of playing for Portugal was real, but he couldn't rush the decision.
He had to think about everything—the weight of representing a country that had adopted him, the challenges of stepping onto that stage, and what playing with Ronaldo would mean for his development as a player.
The next call came soon after. It was Tite, the head coach of Brazil. Adriano had always known that Brazil would come knocking—he was one of their own, and the passion for football in his homeland was unparalleled.
"Adriano, it's Tite, Coach of Brazil." the coach said, his tone warm and inviting. "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 took a deep breath. His heart fluttered at the thought of playing for the Seleção. Brazil wasn't just a football team—it was a symbol of national pride, history, and joy. The thought of wearing the yellow shirt, of playing in the World Cup and representing his country on the world's biggest stage, filled him with excitement. But he had to keep his emotions in check.
"I'm honored, Coach," Adriano responded, his voice steady. "Brazil is always in my heart, and representing my country has always been a dream. But I need some time to think it through. I'll let you know soon."
Both calls had left him in a state of uncertainty. It wasn't just about the potential to represent two footballing giants; it was about his personal journey and what felt right. The choice was agonizing.
In Portugal, there was the promise of playing alongside Ronaldo, a clear path to first-team football, and a sense of belonging to a team that was on the rise. The chance to be a part of something special—something that could win first ever major trophies—was undeniable.
Adriano always preferred to write his own legacy, rather than following footsteps of others. The allure of becoming the First to lead a nation to win world cup, and write his name in history sounded way cooler.
But Brazil, his home country, had always been his heart's choice, including his father's. Wearing the yellow jersey, playing at the World Cup, representing Brazil with its rich history of football excellence—it was a dream he couldn't ignore easily.
Adriano sat down that evening in the quiet of his apartment, his thoughts swirling. The pressure was mounting, but he knew he couldn't rush the decision. He needed to listen to his instincts and take the time to truly consider what each choice meant for his future, both on and off the pitch. The world was watching, but ultimately, this decision would be his alone.
As the storm of opinions flooded every corner of the internet, Adriano watched from the sidelines—quiet, composed, but fully aware of the pressure building around him.
Portuguese analysts on talk shows dissected every clip of his play, highlighting his vision, passing range, and composure beyond his years. They spoke of him as the missing piece—a natural successor to João Moutinho, and possibly even more.
"He brings balance," one analyst said on RTP. "With Ronaldo still around and Félix coming into his own, Adriano could be the one to link it all together."
Brazilian commentators, on the other hand, took a more emotional approach. "This boy is from Rio. Although He grew up in Portugal,. He watched Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Kaká—how could he not want to wear the yellow shirt?" said one passionate voice on SporTV.
But others weren't as forgiving. "He left Brazil as a kid and learned football in Europe. His loyalty is already divided."
And then there were the neutral voices, the journalists and ex-players who saw both sides clearly. Rivaldo, in an interview, said:
"It's not an easy decision. I understand both countries wanting him. But in the end, Adriano has to do what's best for his career—not just emotionally, but professionally too."
Meanwhile, Adriano stayed quiet on social media, his accounts showing nothing but training photos, match highlights, and a few subtle motivational quotes. But behind the silence, he was thinking—deeply.
He sat with his father one evening, the television muted, as they watched the sunset over the hills outside Málaga. The older man spoke gently.
"Son… no matter what you choose, you'll always be Brazilian in blood. But you're also growing into someone who belongs to the world. This isn't about betrayal. This is about choosing where you feel you can do the most. Not just for your career—but for the game."
His mother however interjected, " Since they are already talking badly, just Join Portugal! And you Julio, You keep your mouth shut." She glared at his father who surrendered without protest.
Adriano nodded slowly, his jaw slowly relaxing from previous tension. He had read the comments. Seen the tweets. He knew whatever he chose, he'd disappoint one side.
But he also knew something else.
When he stepped onto a pitch, It wasn't about flags or borders. It was about football. He had to make a choice. And soon.
A cool breeze drifted through Adriano's window as he zipped up his Portugal training jacket. The red and green crest over his heart had never looked so real—so earned.
The press conference at Málaga had gone better than he expected. He'd spoken from the heart, nervous at first, but steady when it mattered. Reporters asked the tough questions, and he answered them head-on.
"After considerable amounts of thinking, I have chosen to represent Portugal national team. This wasn't about choosing against Brazil," he'd said, voice calm. "It was about choosing for the place that raised me. I owe Portugal a lot. I want to give something back."
It didn't stop the online debates, of course. But what mattered most was that he was at peace with it—and more importantly, so was his family.
Well… sort of.
His dad had patted his shoulder quietly after the decision, a trace of sadness in his eyes.
"Your grandfather would've wanted you in the yellow," he said softly.
Adriano had nodded, understanding. But before the air got too heavy, his mom had jumped in with a playful glare."He chose with his head and heart. Now let the boy breathe—or I'll knock sense into both of you."
That ended the debate pretty quickly.
The call-up came the following Monday.
Adriano's name—Adriano Riveiro—was right there on the official Portuguese national team squad list, posted on the federation's website and social media channels.
Fans flooded the comments in celebration:
"Finally!"
"Welcome to the family, Adriano!"
"The future is here!"
When he got the call from the team administrator, he couldn't stop smiling. For a moment, he just stared at the phone screen, the words "Convocado - Seleção Nacional" glowing back at him. He called his mom first. She cried. Then he called his old youth coach in Lisbon. Then, finally, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The man answered with a laugh.
"Told you, didn't I?"
That night, Adriano sat by his window, alone with his thoughts. The road ahead wouldn't be easy. Representing Portugal on the world stage was an honor—but it also meant pressure, expectations, and the challenge of living up to the hype.
But as he looked down at his new Portugal jersey, neatly folded on the bed, a quiet confidence settled in. He wasn't just a wonderkid anymore. He was a Portuguese international. And the world was about to see what he could really do.
The Portuguese national team camp was like stepping into another world. Everything was top-class—immaculate pitches, cutting-edge facilities, and a buzz in the air that made it clear: this was a team that expected to win.
Adriano arrived with a quiet confidence, but even he couldn't help feeling a bit overwhelmed at first. That changed the moment Cristiano Ronaldo spotted him and walked over.
"Welcome to the team, Adriano," Ronaldo said, giving him a firm clap on the back. "You're going to do great things here. Just be yourself."
"Thanks, Cristiano," Adriano replied. "It means a lot coming from you."
Ronaldo gave a small smile. "We've all seen what you can do. But remember—here, we're just footballers. Doesn't matter how famous you are. The only thing that matters is what you give for the team."
Adriano nodded. "Understood."
Later that day, Ronaldo personally introduced him to a few of the senior players.
"This is Pepe," he said, pointing to the veteran defender. "Don't let the tough face fool you. He's one of the best teammates you'll ever have."
Pepe gave Adriano a solid handshake. "We've been watching you. Keep your head down and work hard. You'll fit in just fine."
Next was João Cancelo. "This guy runs more than anyone I've ever seen," Ronaldo joked. "He never stops."
Cancelo grinned. "Nice to meet you, Adriano. Just don't forget to pass me the ball."
Then came Rui Patrício and Nani.
"Nani's the trickster," Ronaldo said. "He'll nutmeg you in training just to mess with you."
"Only if you're not paying attention," Nani added, smirking. "Welcome, kid."
By the end of the day, Adriano felt like he would fit here perfectly.
Training was intense. Fast-paced, physical, and unforgiving. But Adriano held his own. His quick decision-making and sharp passing stood out immediately. He didn't try to overdo it—he played smart, kept the ball moving, and made others look better. The coaching staff took notice. So did the players.
By the end of the first day, it was clear: Adriano wasn't just here to learn. He was here to compete.
***
The Estádio da Luz was a cauldron of noise that night. Over 65,000 Portuguese fans filled the stands, their voices merging into one massive chant of red and green. Flags waved, and every supporter was on high alert, knowing that this match was more than just another World Cup qualifier—it was also the stage for the long-awaited international debut of Adriano Riveiro.
Portugal had already secured their World Cup spot, but tonight they faced Israel, a team that had fought hard throughout the qualifiers. Israel was known for its solid defending and measured counterattacks, and they had shown moments of brilliance during their campaign.
However, the atmosphere was entirely in Portugal's favor, and all eyes were fixed on the 17-year-old prodigy about to take his first step onto the pitch wearing the Selecção das Quinas jersey.
Up in the VIP section, Adriano's parents, Rosa and Julio Riveiro, watched with equal parts anxiety and pride. Rosa clutched a small Portuguese flag while Julio kept a steady gaze, his face reflecting both joy and apprehension at seeing their son reach this moment. They had journeyed from the dusty streets of Lisbon to witness this historic event, and now it was finally here.
Down in the tunnel, Adriano paced lightly, his heart pounding as he took deep, steadying breaths. He stretched out his fingers, massaging away any lingering nervous tension.
Next to him stood Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain and a figure who had encouraged him to make this pivotal choice. Ronaldo's presence was both inspiring and reassuring. Leaning down, he placed a firm hand on Adriano's shoulder and said, "You ready for this, man?"
Adriano's eyes met Ronaldo's, and he replied with quiet determination, "Yeah. I'm ready."
Ronaldo smiled broadly. "Good. Tonight, the world is watching. Just play your game, and leave everything on the pitch."
With that, the referee's whistle shattered the quiet of the tunnel. One by one, the players stepped out onto the pitch amidst the deafening roar of the crowd. The atmosphere was electric as the Portuguese national team lined up for kickoff.
Fernando Santos, the head coach, had arranged the team in a 4-3-3 formation, with Adriano deployed as a central midfielder—a pivotal role tasked with dictating play and linking up with both the defense and the forward line, which featured Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and Diogo Jota.
The match began with Portugal immediately taking control. From the very first pass, it was clear that the team was determined to assert their dominance. Portugal's midfield pressed high, and the passes were crisp and deliberate.
The Israeli side, set up compactly, tried to absorb the pressure and look for counterattacks. But Portugal's intent was unmistakable: they wanted to control every aspect of the game.
In the 7th minute, João Cancelo picked up a pass on the right and played an incisive ball into the center of the pitch. The ball was met by Adriano, who turned elegantly and sent a quick, short pass to Bernardo Silva.
This brief sequence signaled Portugal's tempo; the players moved with precision and purpose.
Then, in the 10th minute, Israel earned a corner when a misplaced pass from an Israeli midfielder was intercepted by defensive captain Pepe.
The corner was floated in, and striker Erez Lev Ari headed it on target, forcing a full-length dive from Rui Patrício. The save was superb, and despite the close call, the Israeli attack fizzled out.
Portugal continued their pressure. In the 18th minute, Israel managed to break free briefly on a counterattack. Their winger rushed down the flank and sent in a cross that was met by a diving header from their tallest player.
However, the header just grazed the post, and the Israeli fans fell silent as Rui Patrício quickly cleared the danger.
The pivotal moment arrived in the 22nd minute.
With possession circulating in midfield, Adriano received a pass from Cancelo near the halfway line. His eyes scanned the field, and in one fluid movement, he flicked the ball past an Israeli midfielder who was closing in aggressively.
The move was executed with such smoothness that the crowd collectively gasped in admiration. With his head lifted, Adriano spotted Ronaldo peeling away from his marker on a blistering run down the flank.
In a split second, he threaded a perfectly weighted through ball between two defenders. The ball cut through the space like a knife through butter, and Ronaldo controlled it deftly with his first touch.
With calm precision, the Portuguese captain rounded the approaching Israeli goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net.
Gooooaaalllll! 1-0 Portugal. Who else but Cristiano Ronaldo to lead from the front.
The stadium erupted in a roar of celebration. Ronaldo turned back immediately, pointing toward the Adriano to show his contribution. Adriano's teammates cheered as he jogged to the sidelines, his face lit up in a wide, proud smile as they ruffled his hair and praised him.. That first assist on his debut had set the tone for the rest of the match.
The Israeli side, now rattled by the pace and accuracy of Portugal's play, attempted to regroup.
In the 27th minute, Nani was given space on the right and raced down the wing.
He swung a cross into the penalty area that ricocheted off an Israeli defender and fell neatly to Adriano at the edge of the box. With no time to think, Adriano struck a powerful volley. The ball curved gracefully into the top corner, beyond the reach of the diving goalkeeper.
Gooooaaalllll! 2-0 Portugal. Adriano scores on his national team debut! This is one for the history books! Great Volley by the youngster that find the net.
Adriano sprinted towards the corner flag and slid on his knees in celebration, as his teammates engulfed him in jubilation. "That's how you announce yourself!" Ronaldo shouted, clapping him on the shoulder.
The noise was almost overwhelming, punctuated by the jubilant cries of the fans, many of whom were watching from the VIP section where his parents were now standing, visibly emotional. Rosa's eyes glistened with tears of joy while Julio's smile was broad and proud.
However, the match was far from over. Israel pressed hard to find an equalizer. Their players began to play with urgency, knowing that a single goal could shift the momentum.
In the 31st minute, Israel earned a corner after a clumsy clearance from a Portugal defender. But the chance didn't happen for them.
As the game continued, Portugal maintained control. Yet there were still missed opportunities and moments where the tension spiked.
In the 38th minute, Portugal extended their lead when Ronaldo's long-range drive was blocked by a desperate sliding tackle from an Israeli defender, who picked up a yellow card for the challenge.
Ronaldo's free kick found the net easily , the ball curving over the defenders and bursting into the net.
Gooooaaalllll! 3-0 for Portugal. Ronaldo doubles his tally with a wonderful Free kick.
Portugal's discipline shone through despite Israel's occasional bursts of energy. The Portuguese side continued to press, forcing errors and capitalizing on every loose ball.
In the 43rd minute, a free kick was poorly cleared by Israel defense, and Ronaldo was the first to pounce on the rebound. He fired a low shot that zipped just over the crossbar—a reminder that even the best can miss by the narrowest of margins.
At halftime, the score read 3-0 Portugal. The atmosphere in the locker room was a mix of relief and determination.
Coach Fernando Santos reminded the players to stay focused and not get complacent. "Keep up the pressure," he said. "These moments define us, and we must always be ready to capitalize when an opportunity arises."
The second half resumed with renewed intensity. Portugal's style of play remained efficient, their passing crisp and movement fluid.
In the 54th minute, Nani picked up a pass from Moutinho on the right. He played a quick one-two with Ronaldo, drawing an Israeli defender out of position.
The pace of the counterattack was breathtaking as Ronaldo fed a pass back to Adriano, who had surged forward.
Adriano, with his head held high and focus unwavering, slid a neat through ball over the top of Israel's backline and into the path of Ronaldo. The captain controlled the ball with ease, took a touch to settle it, and then calmly fired a shot that sneaked into the bottom left corner of the net.
Gooooaaalllll! 4-0 for Portugal. 2 goals on his debut, Adriano is showing why two nations fought for him to represent them! What a player!
Adriano celebrated wildly For a moment, the stadium seemed to pause in a collective exhale of relief and pride, the burst into cheers. His teammates surrounded him with laughter , patting and praising him.
Adriano's involvement was growing with every minute.
Yet, as the game neared its final stages, Israel was not ready to fade away without one final push.
In the 68th minute, as Portugal continued to dominate possession, Cancelo played a low, driven cross into the box. Ronaldo made a well-timed run, but was closely marked by an Israeli center-back.
Sensing the gap, Adriano slipped unmarked into the space at the near post. With impeccable timing, he met the cross with a clinical first-time finish. The ball shot past the helpless Israeli goalkeeper and nestled into the net with precision.
Gooooaaalllll! 5-0 for Portugal! This is becoming a demolishon job.
And wait..... Did Adriano just score a hat trick on his national team debut! Unbelievable! We have witnessed a new record ! This will be one for the record books!
The stadium erupted once again, this time even louder. The crowd applauded the Adriano for his incredible performance , who rushed towards the sidelines, jumped in the air with a fist raised.
Ronaldo, overcome with joy, ran directly to Adriano, grabbing him by the shoulders. "A hat-trick on debut? You're something else!" he laughed, ruffling Adriano's hair as the entire team swarmed around them in celebration
Adriano's parents hugged each other as they cheered for their son who had made history.
With Portugal now firmly in control, the game continued on with measured dominance from the Portuguese side.
In the 76th minute, Bruno Fernandes attempted a long-range effort, but the shot was well saved by the Israeli keeper.
Moments later, a foul against Adriano in midfield led to a free kick for Portugal.
Ronaldo stepped up again; this time, his effort hit the wall and was cleared by the Israeli defense. The referee showed the Israeli defender a second yellow for a late challenge, adding to the mounting pressure on the visitors.
Portugal pressed relentlessly.
In the 82nd minute, as the Israeli defense appeared to collapse under the constant pressure, Joao Moutinho took control of a loose ball near the left wing.
He charged forward and delivered a delicate low cross into the penalty area. Bruno Fernandes wjo just came on, arriving at the right moment, tapped the ball home from close range.
Gooooaaalllll! 6-0 for Portugal. They have utterly destroyed Israel tonight . Bruno Fernandes hammered the final nail in the coffin. The game has been over for a long time.
As the final whistle drew near, With virtually no time left on the clock, Portugal maintained their composure, rounding out the match with deliberate passes and controlled possession.
When the final whistle finally sounded, the Estadio da Luz trembled with the roar of 65,000 cheering fans.
Portugal had destroyed Israel 6-0, a performance that not only secured their World Cup qualification with style but also announced to the world the arrival of a new talent.
Adriano Riveiro, on his international debut, had delivered a performance for the ages—a hat-trick, two assists, and relentless energy that had propelled his nation forward.
After the match, as Adriano walked off the pitch, his teammates joined him for hearty congratulations and embraces. Cristiano Ronaldo, in particular, couldn't hide his admiration. "That was something else, Adriano," he said, clapping him on the back with a broad smile. "Tonight, you showed everyone why you're a star."
Back in the stadium's press area, journalists peppered Fernando Santos and the players with questions about Adriano's performance. Analysts were quick to call it a breakout game.
One reporter exclaimed, "Adriano's vision and execution tonight were world-class. Do you think he's already set to become a regular starter for the national team?"
Fernando Santos replied confidently, "He's played with the heart of a champion. Today, he wasn't just making passes—he was making history. And no matter what, we'll build our future around his talent."
Meanwhile, on social media, fans erupted with praise and excitement. Tweets flew in from all corners of the world, with many declaring the young midfielder as "the next big thing for Portuguese football." Memes, highlights, and video compilations of his superb touches, clever through balls, and clinical finishes made the rounds, making Adriano's debut one of the most discussed matches of the season.
After the press conference, as reporters continued to buzz about his potential, Adriano took a moment outside, leaning against a wall beneath the stadium lights.
He couldn't help but think back to the long journey that had brought him here—from the dusty streets of Porto to playing a decisive role on the international stage. In that moment, as the night air cooled his face, he knew there was no turning back. He had arrived, and the path ahead was lit with promise and responsibility.
He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his new identity as a Portuguese international, and smiled quietly.
Tonight, he had not only contributed to a resounding victory but had also sent a clear message: he was here to make a difference. And as he looked out at the darkened stands—still humming with the echoes of celebration—Adriano Riveiro knew that his future, full of challenges and triumphs alike, was just beginning.
After celebrating with his teammates, Adriano spotted his parents walking towards him, 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 smiled and hugged them. " Thank you Mom, Dad. Couldn't have done this without you two."
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.