Luiz Adriano, Brazilian professional footballer

Luiz Adriano de Souza da Silva, widely known simply as Luiz Adriano (pronounced in Brazilian Portuguese as [luˈis ˌadɾiˈɐnu]), is a distinguished Brazilian professional footballer. Born on April 12, 1987, this prolific striker has carved out a remarkable career across various international leagues, currently showcasing his talents for Süper Lig club Antalyaspor.

Hailing from Porto Alegre, a vibrant footballing hotbed in Brazil, Luiz Adriano's journey began with his hometown club, Internacional. It was within the esteemed youth ranks of this storied Brazilian club that he honed his skills, laying the foundation for a career that would soon take him far beyond the borders of South America.

The Ascendance at Shakhtar Donetsk

A pivotal moment in Luiz Adriano's career arrived in 2007 when, at a relatively young age, he made the significant move to Europe, joining Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk for a transfer fee of €3 million. This investment proved to be remarkably astute for the Ukrainian club, as Luiz Adriano quickly established himself as an an indispensable member of the squad. Over his tenure, he played a crucial role in Shakhtar's domestic and European campaigns, contributing significantly to their success and reputation as a dominant force in Ukrainian football.

His consistent goalscoring prowess and dedication culminated in a historic achievement in October 2014: Luiz Adriano officially became the all-time leading goalscorer for Shakhtar Donetsk. This milestone not only cemented his legacy at the club but also underscored his prolificacy and impact. His performances on the European stage, particularly in the UEFA Champions League, where he demonstrated a keen eye for goal and intelligent movement, further enhanced his profile.

Brazilian National Team Call-Up and Subsequent Career

The same month he broke Shakhtar's goalscoring record, October 2014, marked another significant personal achievement: Luiz Adriano received his highly anticipated first call-up to the Brazil national team. Representing a nation renowned for its footballing heritage is an immense honor, and this recognition was a testament to his consistent excellence and development as a top-tier striker.

Following his impactful spell at Shakhtar Donetsk, Luiz Adriano embarked on new challenges, including stints with prominent European clubs such as AC Milan in Italy and Spartak Moscow in Russia, where he continued to demonstrate his goal-scoring abilities. He later returned to Brazil to play for Palmeiras, further solidifying his status as a respected figure in football, before eventually moving to Turkey to join Antalyaspor in the highly competitive Süper Lig, where he continues to lead the line with his experience and goal-scoring instincts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luiz Adriano

What is Luiz Adriano's full name?
His full name is Luiz Adriano de Souza da Silva.
When and where was Luiz Adriano born?
He was born on April 12, 1987, in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Which club did Luiz Adriano achieve his most significant goal-scoring record with?
Luiz Adriano became the all-time leading goalscorer for Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk.
When did Luiz Adriano receive his first call-up to the Brazilian national team?
He received his first call-up to the Brazil national team in October 2014.
What position does Luiz Adriano play?
He plays as a striker, known for his goal-scoring ability.
Which league does Luiz Adriano currently play in?
He currently plays for Antalyaspor in the Süper Lig, which is Turkey's top professional football league.
What was his first professional club?
He began his professional career at his hometown club, Internacional, in Brazil.