Robinho’s Net Worth: A Look at the Career and Controversies of the Brazilian Football Star

Robinho, the Brazilian football star, once dazzled fans with his incredible dribbling skills and goal-scoring ability. However, his career has been marred by controversy, including a conviction for sexual assault. This article delves into Robinho’s net worth, career highlights, and the legal troubles that have significantly impacted his legacy.

Early Life and Rise to Prominence

Robson de Souza, known to the world as Robinho, was born on January 25, 1984, in São Vicente, Brazil. From a young age, he showcased exceptional talent, particularly in futsal, a fast-paced indoor version of football. This early exposure honed his agility, acceleration, and dribbling skills, which would become his trademarks on the professional stage. In 1999, at the tender age of 15, he was personally chosen by the legendary Pelé as his heir apparent, a testament to his prodigious talent and potential.

Santos FC: The Beginning of a Promising Career

Robinho signed his first professional contract with Santos FC in 2002. He made an immediate impact, contributing to the team’s Campeonato Brasileiro title win that same year. In his debut season, he made 24 appearances and scored 1 goal. His performances were a critical part of the club’s success. Robinho continued to shine, leading Santos to another Campeonato Brasileiro title in 2004. His skills and goal-scoring ability made him a fan favorite, solidifying his position as one of Brazil’s most promising young players.

Real Madrid: Success in Spain

After his success with Santos, European clubs began to take notice. Robinho joined Spanish giants Real Madrid in July 2005. In his first season, he made 37 appearances, scoring 14 goals. He quickly became a key player for Real Madrid, contributing to their La Liga title win in the 2006-07 season. He continued to play a significant role as Real Madrid secured their 31st title in 2008. During his time with Real Madrid, Robinho was the third-highest scorer, behind strikers Raúl and Ruud van Nistelrooy. He also proved to be an excellent playmaker, recording the second-most assists on the team. His time in Madrid was marked by both individual success and team championships, cementing his status as a top player.

Manchester City: A Short-Lived Premier League Stint

In September 2008, Robinho made a high-profile move to Manchester City, signing a four-year deal. This transfer was significant, as it marked a major investment in the club’s ambition to become a Premier League powerhouse. He made his Premier League debut in a 3-1 loss to Chelsea, the team he had originally wanted to sign to. In October, Robinho recorded his first Premier League hat-trick against Stoke City and scored his first European goal for Manchester City in a 3-2 UEFA Cup group stage win over Twente. He finished his first season as Manchester City’s top goal-scorer, with 14 goals. However, his second season was less successful due to injury, and he played only 12 games, scoring a single goal. His time in Manchester was relatively short-lived, but he left a mark on the club.

First Return to Santos: A Homecoming

After falling down the pecking order at Manchester City, Robinho returned to Santos in early 2010 on a six-month loan. In his first game back, he scored a backheel in a 2-1 win over São Paulo, a moment that delighted fans and highlighted his enduring skill. He helped Santos win the Copa Brasil for the first time in club history. Although he wanted to stay with Santos, Manchester City declined to extend his loan deal, leading him to move on once again.

AC Milan: Serie A and European Football

Robinho moved from Manchester City to AC Milan in August 2010. His first game was a 1-0 victory against Genoa. He quickly became a regular in the team, contributing to a series of victories, including wins over Chievo, Brescia, Bologna, Catania, and Parma. In the 2011-12 Serie A season, he helped AC Milan win the Supercoppa Italiana against Inter Milan, and the team finished second in the league. However, his time with AC Milan was also marked by injuries. During the 2013-14 season, he suffered from several injuries, including a groin strain, dislocated shoulder, and a left thigh injury, which limited his appearances. These injuries prevented him from playing in the first leg of the Champions League first knockout round, impacting his contributions on the field.

Further League Career: China, Turkey, and Beyond

Following his stint with AC Milan, Robinho’s career saw him play in various leagues and countries. He made his second return to Santos on a one-year loan in 2014. After an initial home loss, he scored his first goal four days later in a 2-0 victory over Londrina in the Copa do Brasil. After his contract with Santos expired, he signed a six-month contract with Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao in the Chinese Super League, winning the league title in 2015. The following year, he joined Atlético Mineiro, and won the 2017 Campeonato Mineiro. In 2018, Robinho signed with the Turkish club Sivasspor. In 2019, he joined İstanbul Başakşehir, where he won the first top-flight title in the club’s history. His career took another turn in 2020, when he returned to Santos for a third time. However, his contract was suspended following his conviction for sexual assault.

International Play: Representing Brazil

Robinho was a key player for the Brazilian national team. He earned his first cap in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He was selected for the 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2006 FIFA World Cup. He also played in several Copa Américas, and was part of the squad for the 2010 World Cup. His contributions on the international stage were significant. In January 2017, Robinho earned his 100th international cap in a match against Colombia in Rio de Janeiro, marking a milestone in his career representing his country.

Personal Life and Family

Robinho married Vivian Guglielminetti in 2009, and the couple has two sons. Despite his success on the field, his personal life has been overshadowed by legal issues.

The Rape Conviction: A Dark Stain on Robinho’s Legacy

In 2017, Robinho was sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in the gang rape of an Albanian woman at a nightclub in Milan in 2013. After appeals, the sentence was upheld by Italian courts in 2020 and 2022. This conviction has significantly damaged his reputation and cast a shadow over his footballing achievements.

Robinho’s Net Worth and Salary

Robinho’s net worth is estimated to be $60 million. His earnings were derived from his successful football career, which included lucrative contracts with top clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, and AC Milan. However, his legal troubles have cast a shadow on his financial standing and future opportunities. His salary varied depending on the club and the terms of his contracts, but he was consistently one of the highest-paid players during his prime. Despite the controversy, his financial success reflects his talent and the high value placed on football players in the global market.

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