Robson de Souza (Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation:[ˈʁɔb(i)sõd(ʒi)ˈsowzɐ]; born 25 January 1984), known asRobinho (pronounced[ʁɔˈbĩɲu]), is a Brazilian former professionalfootballer who played as aforward.
In 1996, at 12 years of age, Robinho was picked by Brazil legendPelé as his heir apparent[3] and, in 2002, went on to leadSantos to their firstCampeonato Brasileiro title since Pelé himself played for the club.[4] Afterwards he went on to win a second title with Santos, two more with Spanish clubReal Madrid, and the ItalianSerie A title in his first season at Milan. At international level, Robinho has won oneCopa América title and twoFIFA Confederations Cups with the Brazil national team, and played at twoFIFA World Cups.
In 2017, an Italian court convicted Robinho ofsexual assault in the 2013gang rape of a woman at aMilan nightclub.[5] This conviction was upheld by the Milan Court of Appeals, and subsequently upheld byItaly's top court in January 2022.[6][7] Italy's request for extradition has been rejected by Brazil, because theConstitution 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.[8]
Robinho was born inSão Vicente, São Paulo State. In his early years, Robinho played a lot offutsal which was responsible for developing his dribbling and acceleration skills.[9] He signed his first professional contract withSantos in 2002 at the age of 18. He made 24 appearances in his debut season and scored one goal as Santos won the 2002Campeonato Brasileiro. He reached the final of the 2003Copa Libertadores with Santos, but lost in the final toBoca Juniors. In 2004, Robinho finished with 21 goals in 37 games and led Santos to win anotherCampeonato Brasileiro.[citation needed]
His form had brought him to the attention of many European clubs in the summer of 2004, but Robinho remained with Santos after the Brazilian club rejected all offers. His form suffered in the 2005 season, however, after his mother, Marina da Silva Souza, was kidnapped by gunmen at herPraia Grande home on 6 November; she was released unharmed six weeks later after a ransom was paid.[10]
Robinho scored nine goals in 12 league games, and his value continued to increase as his talent became more and more apparent to the powers of European football. Santos began to realise it would become increasingly difficult to hold on to their star player. In July 2005, Spanish giantsReal Madrid signed Robinho by agreeing to pay a fee equal to 60% of the buyout clause in his contract belonging to Santos (€24 million).[11]
Robinho was given the number 10 shirt for Real Madrid, previously worn byLuís Figo. Robinho made 37 appearances and scored 14 goals in his first season. At the start of the2006–07 season, Robinho spent much of the first few months of the season selected as asubstitute by managerFabio Capello, even after beingMan of the Match in the firstClásico againstBarcelona that year. Only after the winter break did Robinho find himself in the starting XI, later playing a crucial role as Real Madrid won their 30thLa Liga titlethat year. The title was the third league championship of his career.[citation needed]
Capello was subsequently fired, however, andBernd Schuster was appointed as head coach of Real Madrid. Robinho finished with 11 league goals[12] and eight assists[13] for Madrid in the2007–08 La Liga season, as well as four goals during Real Madrid'sChampions League campaign. Robinho then gotinjured at the beginning of the second half of the season. He did not recover fully enough to help Madrid againstRoma in the Champions League. The week before, however, Robinho saved Real Madrid's La Liga title hopes with a two-goal performance on 3 March 2008 as Madrid defeatedRecreativo de Huelva away from home.[14] That game kept a resurgent Barcelona at bay and ultimately secured Real Madrid's 31st league title and Robinho's fourth.[citation needed]
Real Madrid presidentRamón Calderón had promised to negotiate a new contract with Robinho at the midpoint of the2007–08 season, which never materialised. Calderón, however, insisted talks would occur in the summer; again Calderón went back on his word. Robinho subsequently revealed talks never began because Madrid hoped to use him as part of the deal to bringCristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid in the summer of 2008.[15][16] After the failed move for Ronaldo, Madrid finally attempted to negotiate a new contract with Robinho, which he rejected and led to him pursuing atransfer toChelsea.[17]
Robinho had previously been linked with a transfer to Chelsea,[22] and he had emphasised his desire to play for the London club up to the eve of the transfer.[23] On 27 August, Chelsea chief executivePeter Kenyon said that the club were "confident" that the transaction would go through,[24] and Madrid had also given their consent for the player to leave.[24] Robinho's expectancy to move to Chelsea was such that upon signing for Manchester City he accidentally stated, "On the last day, Chelsea made a great proposal and I accepted." To this comment, a reporter then replied, "You mean Manchester, right?" "Yeah, Manchester, sorry!" answered Robinho.[25]
In an interview withThe Guardian, Robinho stated that Manchester City being a big club and the presence of Brazilian friendsJô andElano were incentives for him to join the team. He made his team debut and scored his first Premier League goal on 13 September 2008, coincidentally in a 3–1 home defeat to Chelsea.[26]On 26 October, he scored his first Premier League hat-trick againstStoke City,[27] and he scored his first European goal for Manchester City in a 3–2UEFA Cup group stage win overTwente on 6 November. He was given the captain's armband for the match againstHull City, due toRichard Dunne's suspension, which ended in a 2–2 draw.[citation needed]
On 19 April, Robinho scored his 13th league goal for Manchester City in the 2–1 win away atEverton on 25 April, City's first away win since 31 August 2008. The following week, he scored his third consecutive goal in three games, againstBlackburn Rovers, to help Manchester City to a 3–1 win. Robinho finished the season as City's top goalscorer with 14 and the fourth top scorer in the league.[citation needed]
His second season at Manchester City did not go as well. He missed three months of the season due to injury and only played 12 games in total (ten in the Premier League), and scored one goal (against lower league clubScunthorpe United in theFA Cup). Due to this, he fell down the pecking order and sought a move away from the club in the Januarytransfer window.[citation needed]
On 28 January 2010, Robinho returned to his home club Santos due to moving down the pecking order at Manchester City, joining them on a six-monthloan deal.[28] He had publicly stated that at Manchester City he would play every other game, and because of the upcomingWorld Cup, he wanted to play every game, and so returned to Brazil with Santos after declining a move toSão Paulo.[29] On his return to Santos, Robinho scored abackheel against aforementioned admirers São Paulo with five minutes to spare to complete a 2–1 victory for thePeixe.[30] In the final match of his loan deal on 4 August, Robinho helped Santos win theCopa do Brasil. Although Santos lost 2–1 toVitória, they won the tie 3–2 on aggregate to win the competition for the first time in their history.[31] Shortly afterwards, Robinho stated that he wanted to remain with Santos rather than return to England. Manchester City, however, refused to extend the loan deal and Santos failed to make a transfer bid.[32]
Robinho returned to training with Manchester City in August 2010, but stated that he was seeking a move away from the club before the end of the summertransfer window on 31 August.[33] Turkish clubsFenerbahçe andBeşiktaş opened transfer negotiations with City, but Robinho rejected a move to Turkey, declaring that he would rather move to a club in Spain or Italy.[34]
On 31 August 2010, Robinho moved toAC Milan from Manchester City for a fee of £15 million (€18M), signing a four-year contract.[35][36] He made his debut as a substitute in a 2–0 defeat to newly promotedCesena. He started his first game with Milan in their 1–0 win overGenoa. He scored his first goal in injury time againstChievo to make the score 3–1 on 16 October 2010. He continued his goalscoring form with a goal the following week in aSerie A match againstNapoli on 25 October 2010. He then scored the first goal for Milan againstSampdoria, butGiampaolo Pazzini equalised on the hour mark to end as a draw.[citation needed]
On 4 December 2010, Robinho scored the second goal for Milan againstBrescia in their 3–0 win at theSan Siro. Eight days later, on 12 December, he again scored the second goal in a 3–0 victory for Milan againstBologna. He scored his first goal of 2011 againstBari to give Milan another 3–0 victory. On 29 January, he scored againstCatania following a deflection from aZlatan Ibrahimović free-kick to give Milan a 1–0 lead, then assisted Ibrahimović to give Milan a 2–0 win. On 12 February 2011, he scored his first brace for Milan againstParma to help Milan to a 4–0 win. AgainstCagliari, Robinho scored a brace in the 37th week of Serie-A on 14 May 2011, leading to celebrations of theScudetto winners after the match.[citation needed]
AfterAlexandre Pato took the number 9 jersey at Milan following the departure of club legendFilippo Inzaghi, Robinho was handed the number 7 jersey that previously belonged to Pato. Robinho started in Milan's first game of the 2012–13 Serie A against Sampdoria, but was replaced byUrby Emanuelson due to an injury. Robinho made his comeback as a substitute against Cagliari, where Milan won 2–0. Four days later, Milan drew against Parma in an away match where Robinho came on as a substitute. Robinho came on as a substitute again against Inter, but Milan eventually lost 1–0. Robinho was then injured in training and was sidelined for the next five games. He made his comeback againstMálaga as a substitute in the 80th minute; the game ended as a draw. He scored his first goal of the season againstJuventus, which was the winner in a 1–0 victory on 25 November 2012.[37]
Robinho was close to signing with old club Santos in both January 2013 and July 2013, but the move fell through on both occasions due to the player's wage demands. On both occasions, Santos managed to reach an agreement with Milan over the transfer fee.[38]
On 18 July 2013, Robinho signed a new contract with Milan on a reduced wage, keeping him with theRossoneri until 2016.[39] His previous deal was set to expire on 30 June 2014.[citation needed]
Robinho suffered a groin strain early in the pre-season againstValencia on 27 July 2013, which disrupted his preparation for the upcoming season. Before he suffered the injury in the match, he missed a penalty, but scored a goal from open play less than a minute later.[40]
On 22 October, Robinho scored the opening goal in the2013–14 Champions League match against Group H favourites Barcelona, from a pass by his compatriotKaká. AfterLionel Messi's equaliser, however, he missed an excellent opportunity to score another goal in the second half, after which the match ended in a 1–1 draw.[41] In November, he was sidelined again, this time due to a dislocated shoulder, an injury he picked up during the match againstCeltic in the Champions League.[42]
Robinho scored his only goal in Milan'sCoppa Italia campaign at the San Siro in the quarter-finals againstSpezia on 15 January 2014. He opened the scoring with a close-range header in a 3–1 victory against theSerie B club.[43] In February, an injury of his left thigh prevented him from playing in the first leg of the Champions League first knockout round againstAtlético Madrid.[44] He made a substitute appearance during the second leg in Spain, but was unable to prevent a 5–1 aggregate defeat against theRojiblancos.[citation needed]
On 6 August 2014, Robinho arrived inSão Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport and subsequently returned to Santos in a one-year loan deal.[45] Despite being out of new coach Filippo Inzaghi's plans, the Italian side still will pay Robinho's wages—whilePeixe paysR$600,000 per month, Milan will pay anotherR$400,000.[46]
Robinho was presented on the following day, stating a desire to play in the following match against fierce rivalsCorinthians.[47] He made his re-debut forPeixe on 10 August, starting in a 0–1 eventual home loss.[48]
Robinho scored his first goal after his return four days later, netting the first and assistingRildo in a 2–0 home success overLondrina in theCopa do Brasil championship.[49] His second goal came on the 29th, in a 2–0 away win overGrêmio in the same tournament.[citation needed]
On 13 September, Robinho scored his first Brasileirão goal, netting his side's second in a 2–1 home win overCoritiba. He scored again on 21 September with a left-footed strike in a 3–1 victory overFigueirense. On 30 June 2015, after already rescinding his link with Milan in May, he leftPeixe after his contract expired.[50]
On 10 October 2020, Robinho rejoinedSantos on a deal running until February 2021, with the option for an extension until December 2022.[62] The announcement was met with criticism due to Robinho's trial court conviction of sexual assault in Italy. One of Santos' sponsors ended their deal with the club, stating that the signing was 'disrespectful to women', while others also pressed against it.[63] On 16 October, Santos announced the suspension of his contract, stating that he would focus exclusively on his defence.[64]
In July 2003, Robinho was called up for the2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup, along with his Santos teammatesAlex andDiego.[65] Although Brazil chose to send theirunder-23 team, the CONCACAF Gold Cup matches are considered as full international matches byFIFA. He earned his first cap in the opening match on 13 July, which Brazil lost 1–0 toMexico,[66] and played four further matches including thegolden goal defeat to the same team in thefinal.[67]
Robinho was named inBrazil's squad for the2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. During the tournament, he was mainly used as a substitute, with the established forwardsRonaldo,Ronaldinho, Adriano and Kaká starting in attack. However, he was named in the starting line-up for Brazil's thirdgroup match; a 4–1 defeat of Japan. He made a third substitute appearance of the tournament in Brazil's 1–0quarter-final defeat byFrance.[citation needed]
In the absence of Brazil's World Cup forwards, Robinho was a regular starter for the team at the2007 Copa América a year later. For the tournament, he wore the number 11 shirt, the same number that his childhood heroRomário wore.[72] He scored all four of Brazil's group stage goals via ahat-trick in the 3–0 win againstChile,[73] and a penalty in a 1–0 win overEcuador.[74] He then scored two goals in a 6–1 quarter-final win over Chile.[75] Brazil went on to win the tournament, beatingArgentina 3–0 inthe final. Robinho finished as the Golden Boot winner in addition to being named the best player of the tournament.[76]
In 2009, he was a member of the Brazil team that won the2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa. He played in every game in the competition, as Brazil defeated theUnited States 3–2 inthe final to win the tournament.[77]
Robinho was named inBrazil's squad for the2010 World Cup, where he played alongsideLuís Fabiano in attack. He scored in the second round match againstChile as Brazil won 3–0 to advance to thequarter-finals.[78] He then scored the opener in the quarter-final match against theNetherlands, but Brazil eventually lost 2–1 and was eliminated. A poor performance at the2011 Copa América saw Robinho dropped and replaced byJádson in the Brazilian line-up.[79]
On 31 October 2013, after a hiatus of two years, Robinho was recalled to theSeleção by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. He took part in two games againstHonduras and Chile on 16 and 19 November respectively. During the game against Chile, he scored his first international goal since 2011.[80] However, he was not included in Scolari's squad for the2014 World Cup.[81]
After the World Cup, returning coachDunga recalled Robinho to the Brazil national squad. On 6 September 2014, he played 13 minutes as a substitute in Brazil's 1–0 win againstColombia in Miami.[82] In May 2015, Robinho was included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the2015 Copa América held in Chile.[83] He started their finalgroup game againstVenezuela afterNeymar was suspended for the entire tournament. In the ninth minute, Robinho sent in the corner from whichThiago Silva volleyed Brazil into the lead in an eventual 2–1 victory which sent them into the quarter-finals as group winners.[84] On 27 June, Robinho scored the opening goal of the quarter-final withParaguay, which Brazil eventually lost 4–3 in apenalty shootout.[85]
Eighteen months after his 99th game, Robinho won his100th international cap on 25 January 2017 in a 1–0 win against Colombia at theOlympic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. An entirely home-based squad was chosen in tribute to theChapecoense squad killed inLaMia Flight 2933 in Colombia weeks earlier, and Robinho lined up alongside his former Santos partner Diego.[86]
A quick, creative, agile and technically gifted player, Robinho is mainly known for his flair, ball control, attacking instinct anddribbling skills, as well as his use oftricks andfeints, such as thestep over and theflip flap, due to his quick feet; his precocious performances and ability on the ball drew comparisons with compatriotPelé in his youth.[87][88][89][90][91] Usually deployed in a free role, he was capable of playing in several offensive positions, and often played as awinger,[92] although he has also been used as asupporting forward,[93] as amain striker,[94] and even as anattacking midfielder[95] on occasion, due to his tendency to be involved in the buildup of his teams' attacking plays, as well as his capacity to both score andcreate goals.[96][97][98] Robinho has been criticised for his poor work-rate, lack of tactical discipline,[97] and for his slender physique,[88] which often leads him togo to ground easily.[99] Despite the talent he demonstrated in his youth, his career has also been marked by inconsistency,[100] and he has been accused by some in the sport of failing to live up to his potential.[89][97][101]
On 23 November 2017, an Italian court sentenced Robinho to nine years in prison after he and five other males were convicted ofsexual assault in the January 2013gang rape of a 22-year-old Albanian woman at a Milan nightclub.[5] As part of the judgment, transcripts of Robinho's messages intercepted by police were released, including one from Robinho to a friend in January 2013 that said: "I'm laughing because I couldn't care less, the woman was completely drunk, she has no idea what happened."[106] In a different chat, a friend of Robinho sent the message "I saw you when you put your penis inside her mouth", to which Robinho replied: "That doesn't mean having sex."[106] Under Italian law, his sentencing would not be enforced until after the completion of the appeal process.[107] At the time of the sentencing, Robinho was in Brazil, and under Brazilian law, a Brazilian citizen cannot beextradited to a foreign country.[108]
On 10 December 2020, Robinho's nine-year prison sentence was upheld by the Italian courts after appeal.[109] The Milan Court of Appeals found that Robinho had "belittled" and "brutally humiliated" the victim, while he also tried to mislead investigators from the onset by providing a false version of events he had agreed upon with his friend.[6]
Italy's highest court, theSupreme Court of Cassation, upheld the conviction again in January 2022.[7] In February 2022, an arrest warrant was given internationally against Robinho by theMinistry of Justice of Italy.[110][111] On 4 October 2022, Italy formally requested Brazil to extradite him and his Brazilian friend Ricardo Falco, who was also convicted in the same gang rape case, which was denied by Brazilian courts a month later.[112][113]
However, on 18 February 2023, the Italian government requested Brazil to order Robinho and his friend Falco to serve their sentences in Brazil, which is theoretically possible since a new Brazilian migration law allowing peopleconvicted abroad (Brazilians included) to serve prison time in the country under certain requirements came into effect in 2017.[114][115] On 24 February 2023, Brazil'sSuperior Court of Justice (STJ) subpoenaed Robinho and Falco and on 27 March Brazilian prosecutors agreed with the Italian government request.[116][117][118] The court also ordered Robinho's passport to be confiscated and prohibited him from leaving Brazil.[119] In August 2023, STJ denied a preliminary request by Robinho to get the complete Italian case file of the sentence translated into Portuguese.[120] In February 2024, the Court scheduled for 20 March the ruling on Italy's government appeal to have the original sentence executed in Brazil.[121] The Brazilian court upheld the Italian courts conviction; Robinho will serve his nine-year sentence in Brazil.[122]
^abAndrew Downie (16 February 2005)."Europe awaits the new Pele".The Daily Telegraph. London.Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved17 November 2015.
1 AsHors concours 2Placar started to give this prize to the best grade holder atBola de Prata since 1973. In its 2013 ceremonies, a Bola de Ouro was given to Dirceu Lopes, holder of the best 1971 grade.Francisco Reyes andElías Figueroa, holders of 1970 and 1972 ones respectively, have not been announced as these years' winners yet.
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