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| Robinho | |
|---|---|
| Name | Robinho |
| Fullname | Robson de Souza |
| Birth date | 1984-01-25 |
| Birth place | São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil |
| Height | 1.73 m |
| Position | Forward, Winger |
| Youthclubs | Corinthians, Santos |
| Years | 2002–2005; 2005–2008; 2008–2010; 2010–2012; 2014–2015; 2015–2017; 2017–2019; 2020–2021 |
| Clubs | Santos; Real Madrid; Manchester City; AC Milan; Atlético Mineiro; Sivasspor; İstanbul Başakşehir; Santos |
Robinho Robson de Souza, known professionally as Robinho, is a Brazilian former professional footballer who played predominantly as a forward and winger. He rose to prominence at Santos FC before transferring to Real Madrid CF, later featuring for Manchester City F.C., AC Milan, and other clubs across Argentina, Turkey, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. Robinho won multiple domestic and continental honours, represented Brazil national football team at major tournaments, and attracted both acclaim for his skill and controversy for off-field legal matters.
Born in São Vicente, São Paulo to a working-class family, Robinho joined the youth ranks of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista briefly before moving to Santos FC's academy, the same system that produced Pelé, Neymar Jr., and Zito. He progressed through youth competitions such as the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior and featured in exhibitions alongside peers who later joined clubs including Fluminense FC, São Paulo FC, and Palmeiras. Early coaches compared him to Denílson de Oliveira and Rivaldo Vítor Borba Ferreira for dribbling and flair, while scouts from UEFA-linked clubs monitored his development during Campeonato Paulista appearances.
Robinho made his professional debut for Santos FC in 2002 and quickly became a key figure in squads managed by Lula Pereira and Élton José Xavier Gomes-era coaching teams, earning the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title interest that attracted transfers. In 2005 he moved to Real Madrid CF, joining a squad featuring Zinedine Zidane, Raúl González Blanco, Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha, and Iker Casillas Fernández. At Santiago Bernabéu Stadium he contributed to La Liga campaigns and UEFA Champions League fixtures before transferring to Manchester City F.C. in 2008 as part of the club's early Abu Dhabi United Group era signings alongside teammates such as Sergio Agüero (later), facing rivals like Chelsea F.C. and Manchester United F.C..
In 2010 Robinho signed for AC Milan, competing in Serie A and UEFA Europa League matches, linking up with players including Zlatan Ibrahimović and Clarence Seedorf. He returned to Brazil with Clube Atlético Mineiro and later rejoined Santos FC; his career also included spells at Sivasspor and İstanbul Başakşehir F.K. in Turkey and periods in Saudi Pro League teams. Throughout club moves he faced transfer negotiations involving agents and sporting directors from FIFA-regulated markets and participated in domestic cups such as the Copa do Brasil and continental competitions like the Copa Libertadores.
Robinho represented Brazil national team at youth and senior levels, playing at tournaments including the FIFA Confederations Cup and Copa América. He was part of squads coached by Carlos Alberto Parreira and Dunga (footballer), competing alongside Kaká (Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite), Ronaldinho, Ronaldo Nazário, and later Thiago Silva. Robinho featured in qualifying campaigns for the FIFA World Cup and appeared in friendly fixtures against nations such as Argentina national football team, Portugal national football team, and Spain national football team.
Robinho was noted for dribbling, acceleration, feints, and ability to play across the front line, drawing stylistic comparisons to Diego Maradona, Garrincha, and contemporary wingers like Cristiano Ronaldo in his early years. Analysts from outlets tied to UEFA and CONMEBOL highlighted his close control, stepovers, and creative instincts, while coaches such as Manuel Pellegrini and Carlo Ancelotti assessed his tactical adaptability. Critics pointed to inconsistency, defensive work-rate concerns, and injury periods that limited impact during certain seasons, with pundits from ESPN, Sky Sports, and Marca debating his legacy relative to other Brazilian forwards.
Robinho's career was overshadowed by serious legal matters culminating in a criminal conviction in Italy related to an incident alleged to have occurred in Milan. The case involved judicial proceedings in courts such as the Tribunale di Milano and appeals touching on extradition and European legal cooperation. Human rights groups, sports governing bodies like FIFA, club executives from AC Milan and others, and national football federations responded with public statements. The legal controversies prompted debates in media outlets including BBC Sport, The Guardian, and Corriere della Sera about athlete conduct, club responsibilities, and the intersection of sport and law.
Across domestic leagues, continental competitions, and international matches, Robinho amassed hundreds of club appearances and scored goals in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, La Liga, Premier League, Serie A, and Süper Lig. His international caps for Brazil national team included goals in friendlies and competitive fixtures, contributing to tournament squads at events organized by CONMEBOL and FIFA. Detailed season-by-season numbers were recorded by statistical services such as Opta Sports, Transfermarkt, and RSSSF.
Robinho won team honours including state and national titles with Santos FC, a La Liga title contenders' honours during his time at Real Madrid CF, and domestic cups with AC Milan-era squads. Individually he received recognitions such as South American Footballer of the Year nominations and selections to seasonal best XI lists compiled by publications like Placar (magazine) and broadcasters including Globo Esporte. His trophy cabinet reflects success at club and continental levels during the 2000s and early 2010s.
Category:Brazilian footballers Category:Association football forwards Category:1984 births Category:Living people