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#2 Robinho
Robinho is another Ballon d'Or nominee who lost his way after getting shortlisted in 2007. His sublime dribbling skills saw him hailed as yet another 'new Pele' when he played for Santos as a teenager. But his poor attitude and lack of consistency meant he could not live up to the billing when he arrived in European football.
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Robinho moved to Europe from Santos in 2005, signing for Real Madrid. Playing alongside Ronaldo Nazario, many expected Robinho to form a lethal partnership with his compatriot. But despite the odd moment of brilliance, Robinho was unable to establish himself as a favourite of his coach or fans.
Robinho had a decent 2006-07 campaign with Madrid, scoring eight goals and registering six assists in 43 games. His subsequent performance in the 2007 Copa America caught the eye as he helped Brazil win the trophy, scoring six goals and winning the best Player of the tournament award. That earned him a place on the 2007 Ballon d'Or shortlist, where he finished ninth in the rankings.
But after a disappointing season with Madrid, Robinho was sold to Manchester City in 2008. He was unable to settle in the Premier League as well and eventually sought a loan move back to his homeland in 2010.
The former Ballon d'Or nominee moved to AC Milan after just six months at Santos, where he played over 100 games while finding the net 25 times. The Brazilian is currently at Santos, but has been suspended due to his trial court conviction for sexual assault in Italy.
#1 Adriano
The tale of Adriano's fall from grace is a heartbreaking one. Once among the most feared strikers in Europe, the Brazilian was never the same after the death of his father, Almir, in 2004.
Adriano enjoyed a rapid rise as a teenager and even made his debut for Brazil at the age of 18. He was signed by Inter Milan in 2001, but was sold to Parma in 2003 in exchange for Fabio Cannavaro. The Brazilian scored 22 goals for them before he was signed back by Inter Milan in January 2004.
Adriano also helped Brazil win the 2004 Copa America, finishing as the leading scorer in the tournament with seven goals. His performances earned him a place in the 2004 Ballon d'Or shortlist, where he finished sixth in the rankings.
But after the death of his father in 2004, 'The Emperor' was never the same again. Adriano fell out of love with the game and was seen partying until late regularly and finding refuge in alcohol.
Despite having problems off the field, the Brazilian striker kept scoring goals and helped Inter Milan to the Serie A title. He also won the Confederations Cup in 2005 with Brazil and was once again nominated for the 2005 Ballon d'Or, where he finished seventh.
But his off-the-pitch activities started to come to the fore as he was caught partying in clubs before games. Inter Milan got fed up with his antics and eventually released him from his contract in 2009.
The former Ballon d'Or nominee's last professional appearance came in 2016 for MLS side Miami United. He now lives in Rio de Janeiro.
