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.

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.