A Flamengo youth graduate, Rio de Janeiro-born Adalberto was promoted to the first team in 1983, but spent his first year sidelined due to a leg break.
He made his first team debut in a 0–0 draw against Guarani in the year's Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
[1] An immediate backup of Júnior, Adalberto scored his first goal in March 1984, netting the opener in a 3–0 home win against Brasil de Pelotas.
[1] Adalberto started the 1985 campaign as an undisputed starter, scoring a brace in a 6–1 routing of rivals Botafogo.
Adalberto opened a football school in Vigo alongside 1994 FIFA World Cup winner Mazinho.