Robinho: The Rise and Fall of a Brazilian Genius
Robson de Souza, better known as Robinho , has long been seen as the "new Pelé." With his raw talent, spectacular technique and a dazzling style of play, he delighted the pitches in the early 2000s.
But behind the dribbling and the smiles lies a much darker trajectory , marked by excesses, failed transfers, and a judicial conviction that put an end to his legend.
🌟 2002 - 2005: the beginnings at Santos
Born in 1984 in São Vicente, Robinho joined Santos at the age of 15. He quickly impressed with his short dribbles, his leg passes and his ability to unbalance any defense. In 2002, at just 18 years old, he won the Brazilian championship and thrilled the crowds .
Pelé himself designated him as his spiritual successor, and world football turned its attention to this new Auriverde gem.
🌍 2005 - 2015: Real Madrid, City, AC Milan... between flashes of genius and irregularity
In 2005, Robinho joined Real Madrid for €24 million. His arrival was highly publicized and he quickly became a spectacular player, although sometimes frustrating due to his inconsistency.
Three lackluster seasons later, he was transferred to Manchester City , becoming at the time the symbol of the new Qatari project. He scored decisive goals there, but his attitude raised questions. Lack of commitment, injuries, nightlife ... The star began to waver.
In 2010, Robinho bounced back at AC Milan , where he regained some of his brilliance, notably alongside Ibrahimović and Pato. He won the Scudetto there in 2011, but never really lived up to the expectations placed on him. His career then took a more discreet turn with returns to Brazil and stints in Turkey, China, and Saudi Arabia.
⚖️ 2017: the legal case that changed everything
In 2017, Robinho was sentenced in Italy to nine years in prison for a gang rape committed in 2013 in Milan, while he was playing for AC Milan. This conviction, upheld on appeal and in cassation, permanently tarnished his image. With Brazil refusing to extradite its nationals, Robinho remained free for several years, until media and judicial pressure caught up with him .
Santos, who had tried to bring him back in 2020, had to cancel his contract in the face of public outrage. Today, Robinho is under house arrest in Brazil, and Italy is still demanding his extradition or the enforcement of the sentence in his country .