“Just a few months after deep personal problems forced him to quit Italian soccer — and hint at giving up the game altogether — Adriano was the star man as Rio de Janeiro powerhouse Flamengo won the Brazilian Championship for the sixth time on Sunday. At times, the hulking striker looked like an adult who had wandered on to take part in a kids’ game. A decent cross from the byline always gave him a chance to score with a header, and his left foot is a weapon capable of both astonishing strength and surprising subtlety. He finished the tournament tied for the scoring title. But like any striker, he needs a supply line. (SI- Tim Vickery)