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Former Manchester City and Real Madrid forward Robinho is serving a nine-year prison sentence in Brazil after being found guilty of rape
Disgraced former Manchester City forward Robinho has completed the first year of his nine-year prison sentence after being found guilty of rape. The 41-year-old was convicted by an Italian court in 2017, but only began serving his sentence in Brazil in March 2024.
Robinho had a successful career on the pitch, securing a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid after impressing at Brazilian side Santos. In 2008, he famously made a £32.5million move to City on deadline day, where he played for two years. The winger joined AC Milan and later had spells in China, Turkey and Brazil. He also earned 100 caps for his country.
The ex-footballer was found guilty of participating in a gang rape at a Milan nightclub in 2013. Despite years of appeals and attempts by the Italian court to extradite Robinho, who maintained his innocence, details have now emerged about how the former City star has been spending his time in prison.
Robinho is currently held in Sao Paulo's infamous Tremembe prison complex, known as the 'prison of the famous' due to its other high-profile inmates. Among them is hacker Walter Delgatti, who reportedly plans to start a business with Robinho once both men have served their sentences.
According to Marca, Delgatti has shared his intention to launch a betting company alongside Robinho with several people within the prison. Delgatti is serving an eight-year and three-month sentence after being found guilty of hacking Brazil's National Justice Council.
The Brazilian publication Veja has reported that Delgatti has discussed his business idea with his attorney Ariovaldo Moreira, who confirmed to the outlet that the conversation had occurred. It's claimed that Robinho and Delgatti, although housed in separate cells, spend time together in the prison yard.
Robinho, whose real name is Robson de Souza, keeps himself occupied by working and participating in educational programmes. He's currently engaged in a 600-hour electronics course where he repairs televisions and radios, and has completed all 10 modules of the Work and Citizenship Education programme.
Additionally, the 41-year-old is part of a reading club and assists with the prison's vegetable garden. Robinho, noted for his good behaviour during his incarceration, is attempting to secure semi-open prison conditions but has yet to achieve his aim.
There's an extra incentive for Robinho to work during his time in prison: every 12 hours of work deducts one day from his sentence. "He keeps his head down and moves forward calmly; he is an exemplary prisoner and has had no problems with other inmates; he keeps himself busy," his lawyer, Mario Rosso, told Marca.
Furthermore, Robinho welcomed family visits throughout his first year behind bars. His wife and three children have been regular visitors. His eldest son, 17-year-old Robinho Junior, recently made his professional debut for Santos last month.
Inmates are only permitted to receive visits from immediate family members: parents, spouse and children. Visitors are allowed to bring food, clothing, writing materials, books, magazines and games, such as chess.
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