Robinho is a footballing symbol of talent, success and controversy. The Brazilian once had the world at his feet and stars in his eyes. Whilst Robinho would never fully reach his monumental potential he still evolved into one of the finest players of a generation.
Early Years
São Vicente. Brazil. 1984. A boy named Robson de Souza was born and raised in humble surroundings. Robinho, as he would soon become known, grew up in a football-loving family – playing futsal to hone his dribbling skills and explosive acceleration.
Robinho was introduced to the game at a young age, quickly developing a unique talent for intricate skill and flair. As a child, he faced challenging times including his family’s financial problems and yet his passion for football spawned a perseverance to chase his dreams.
Joining Santos
The Brazilian’s breakthrough came at the age of 12 when in 1996 he joined Santos FC’s youth team, quickly grabbing the imagination of both supporters and critics alike. By 1999, he was even handpicked by Brazil legend Pelé to be his ‘heir apparent.’
Professional Debut
Robinho signed his first professional contract with Santos in 2002 still aged just 18. He played 33 times during his debut season and scored ten goals as the club went on to win the 2002 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
In four seasons with Santos Robinho’s record was very impressive considering his age and the fact he was still developing. He made 180 appearances and scored 81 goals from the midfield role.
Style Of Play
From the very beginning Robinho showcased dazzling skills, lightning speed and an ability to mesmerise audiences. His natural flair for the game, close ball control and knack for changing direction making him a nightmare prospect for opposing defenders.
He was technically gifted to the extreme – famed for using tricks, feints and step overs – his skillset quickly drawing comparisons with Brazilian icon Pelé in his youth.
Robinho was typically allowed a free role and was capable of playing in several attacking positions on the pitch yet he was often criticised over his work-rate with a lack of tactical awareness.
Brazilian Call-up
By 2003, Robinho finally got the chance to play for the Brazilian national team and started to make a real impact at international level – in 2005 scoring five goals in 11 games.
He was named in Brazil’s squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. However, during the tournament he mainly took on the role of substitute behind established forwards Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Adriano and Kaka.
By 2007 his displays for Brazil were remarkable, scoring six times and was crucial in the side’s Copa America win that year. Robinho also helped his nation secure the FIFA Confederations cup in 2009, finishing his career with Brazil having played a century of games whilst scoring 18 goals.
Real Madrid Bound
Robinho’s exceptional performances grabbed the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. In July 2005, Spanish giants Real Madrid agreed to pay a substantial portion of Robinho’s Santos buyout clause and a sum of around €24 million. He was handed the number 10 shirt previously worn by Portuguese maestro Luís Figo.
After arriving at the Bernabeu, the Brazilian hit the ground running, scoring twelve times in an ever present 51 appearances across his incredible debut season.
He would impress during his three full seasons in Spain, forging spectacular relationships with legendary players such as Ronaldo and Raul. The Brazilian played 137 times for Los Blancos and scored 35 goals – winning two La Liga titles and a Supercopa de Espana.
However, talks over extending Robinho’s stay at Real didn’t run smoothly, the Spanish side hoping to use him as part of a deal that would see Cristiano Ronaldo arrive in Madrid. CR7’s potential switch collapsed and yet negotiations with Robinho could not be revived.
Joining The Man City Project
On the final day of the Premier League summer transfer window in September 2008, Robinho completed a wildly unexpected move to Premier League club Manchester City on a four-year deal for a fee of £32.5 million.
The deal was shrouded with both doubt and confusion. It happened on the same day that Arab investment company Abu Dhabi United Group bought Manchester City.
Robinho had already emphasised on the eve of his transfer a desire to play for a London based club. He had fully expected a move to Chelsea and yet following his signing for Manchester City he accidentally stated – “On the last day, Chelsea made a great proposal and I accepted.”
Although the Brazilian seemingly gave his all during a debut season full of incredible highlights. Robinho played all but seven games in the Premier League and found the back of the net an impressive 14 times, all from an attacking midfield position.
However, the following campaign was less successful and by January of 2010, Robinho had expressed his wish to leave England.
Controversy
Despite his on-field success, Robinho faced personal issues and several controversies that would threaten his career prospects. In 2009, the Brazilian was forced to face allegations of sexual assault. The case partly damaged his reputation and resulted in a drawn out legal battle. His performances began to show signs of inconsistency and with it the opportunities at top clubs started to dwindle.
Return To Santos
The Brazilian returned on loan to home nation side Santos for six months whilst deciding upon any future move. He featured 22 times and scored 11 goals – helping the team to secure both the Brazilian league title and Copa do Brasil cup double.
Via a move to the Italian Serie A, Robinho would once again join Santos for a final time on loan in 2015, again winning another Campeonato Paulista league trophy.
A Stay In Milan
After his six-month hiatus back home in Brazil, Robinho would again relocate to one of Europe’s big five leagues, this time settling in Italy. In August 2010, he departed Man City and signed for AC Milan in a four-year deal worth £15 million.
Whilst his time in Milan failed to deliver consistent success in terms of honours, the club did once again stabilise Robinho’s playing career at least. In his first two campaigns alone he appeared over 80 times and scored an impressive 26 goals – coinciding with a league and cup double – winning Serie A and the Supercoppa Italiana in 2011.
Robinho went on to play another two seasons with Milan including the aforementioned return to Santos across 2014 into 2015. Yet he would never fully regain the form found a few years earlier – but there were new club ventures on the horizon.
Globe Trotter
After leaving Italy, Robinho would never return to European football and instead spent the next five years hopping between various clubs on different continents. Immediately following his departure from AC Milan, the Brazilian joined Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande and even won the Chinese Super League.
Robinho spent a year in Asia before moving back to Brazil with Atlético Mineiro and claiming another league title. The following season he headed for the Middle East and Turkish team Sivasspor, remaining in the country to join İstanbul Başakşehir, and eventually winning the Turkish Super Lig.
Fading From The Game
Robinho’s final move saw him return to Santos for a fourth and final time with a deal running until February 2021. Yet with his sexual assault court conviction still ongoing in Italy, his signing received continued criticism, as a result Santos’ sponsors ended their deal with the club – stating that rejoining the side was ‘disrespectful to women.’
In October 2020, Santos announced the suspension of his current contract and with it Robinho’s unofficial retirement.
