Robinho

Lore & Background

In 1996, at 12 years of age, Robinho was picked by Brazil legend Pelé as his heir apparent and, in 2002, went on to lead Santos to their first Campeonato Brasileiro title since Pelé himself played for the club. Afterwards he went on to win a second title with Santos, two more with Spanish club Real Madrid, and the Italian Serie A title in his first season at Milan. At international level, Robinho has won one Copa América title and two FIFA Confederations Cups with the Brazil national team, and played at two FIFA World Cups. In 2017, an Italian court convicted Robinho of sexual assault in the 2013 gang rape of a woman at a Milan nightclub. This conviction was upheld by the Milan Court of Appeals, and subsequently upheld by Italy's top court in January 2022. Italy's request for extradition was rejected by Brazil, because the Constitution of Brazil does not allow extradition of Brazilian nationals. In March 2024, Robinho began serving his nine-year prison term for the conviction in Brazil.

In Their Own Story

The lights at Vila Belmiro hummed overhead as the crowd roared for one final touch. Robinho stood near the sideline, the ball resting at his feet like a magnet. He glanced up, saw the gap in the defense, and pushed off with explosive speed. The grass crunched under his studs as he feinted left, then sliced right, leaving a defender grasping at air. In that moment, time slowed; it was just him, the ball, and the roar of the Peixe faithful echoing through the night.

Reader's Guide

Robinho was born in São Vicente, São Paulo State. He signed his first professional contract with Santos in 2002 at age 18. He made 24 appearances in his debut season and scored one goal as Santos won the 2002 Campeonato Brasileiro. He reached the final of the 2003 Copa Libertadores with Santos, but lost to Boca Juniors. In 2004, he finished with 21 goals in 37 games and led Santos to win another Campeonato Brasileiro. In July 2005, Real Madrid signed him for a fee equal to 60% of the buyout clause. He played for Real Madrid, then moved to Manchester City in September 2008. In January 2010, he returned to Santos on a six-month loan, helping them win the Copa do Brasil. In August 2010, he moved to AC Milan. The source does not mention a second stint at Santos from 2014 to 2016.

Did You Know?

• Robinho was picked by Pelé as his heir apparent at age 12.
• He won the Campeonato Brasileiro with Santos in 2002 and 2004.
• He was convicted of sexual assault in Italy in 2017, with the conviction upheld in 2022.
• He began serving a nine-year prison term in Brazil in March 2024.