Early Life and Career
Robson de Souza, known as Robinho, rose to prominence as a footballer in Brazil before securing high‑profile transfers to clubs in Europe, and he earned more than 100 caps for the national team. Robinho’s move to Manchester City in 2008 marked the height of his club career, and during his tenure he also played for AC Milan and Real Madrid, which brought global recognition and lucrative contracts.
Legal Conviction
Robinho was convicted in Italy in 2017 for the group sexual assault of a woman that occurred in Milan in 2013, and the conviction was upheld by an Italian appellate court in 2020 and by the Italian Supreme Court in 2022, making the sentence final. The Italian court handed Robinho a nine‑year prison sentence for the crime, and Italy thereafter sought enforcement of that sentence once it became final.
Brazilian law prohibits extradition of its nationals, and in March 2024 the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice ruled by a majority vote that Robinho must serve his nine‑year sentence in Brazil rather than face extradition. The court confirmed that Italy was the competent authority for the conviction and rendered the sentence valid in Brazil.
Arrest and Entry into Brazilian Prison
Robinho’s legal team filed appeals to the Brazilian Supreme Court and sought to delay immediate incarceration, arguing that the ruling violated constitutional protections and that the law should not apply retroactively to him.
The Brazilian court rejected the habeas corpus petition and maintained the order for immediate arrest, thereby clearing the way for execution of the sentence in Brazil. Robinho was arrested at his residence in Santos, São Paulo state, and taken into custody by federal police before being assigned to serve the sentence in the state’s penitentiary system.
First Prison Interview
Robinho has now given his first video interview from inside prison, during which he stated that he receives no special treatment despite his former professional status. Robinho claimed that he shares the same meals, living conditions and work duties as other inmates, and he denied having a leadership role within the facility or suffering psychological difficulties. He reportedly participates in recreation such as football games with other inmates, attends reading groups and electronics‑repair classes, and asked for a transfer because the prison was being reclassified into a more open regime; he said the request had been denied.
Context and Reactions
Brazilian football authorities described the convictions of Robinho and fellow former international Dani Alves as the end of a “nefarious chapter” in Brazilian sport, and stressed the responsibility that comes with wearing the national shirt. The ruling against Robinho has been cited as a landmark in enforcing foreign criminal sentences within Brazil and demonstrates cooperation between Italian and Brazilian judicial systems despite Brazil’s non‑extradition policy. Robinho remains free to appeal within the Brazilian system, although the sentence is considered enforceable.
Legal and Social Implications
Robinho’s case underscores the complexities of international criminal enforcement, particularly when the convicted individual is a national of the country where they are to serve a foreign sentence. The Brazilian court did not retry the underlying facts of the Italian conviction, but rather focused on whether the sentence could be validated under Brazilian law.
The case also draws attention to the culture around footballers and accountability, especially given the high public profile of the athlete and the seriousness of the offence. The victim’s rights and experience remain central to commentary, while the player’s continued denial of wrongdoing and claims of racial discrimination during the Italian process remain unresolved from a public‑perspective standpoint.
Prison Life and Monitoring
Robinho’s statements about prison life indicate that he has neither privileges nor isolation from the general inmate population, and that he is engaging in rehabilitation and educational programmes.
The mention of soccer games, reading groups and electronics classes suggest a structured environment of custody with activity components. Legal observers note that the enforcement of time served, potential reductions or regime changes will depend on Brazilian penal regulations, including criteria for participation in work and study, good behavior and regime classification.
Outlook
Robinho will serve his sentence in Brazil unless successful legal appeal causes a delay or alteration of enforcement terms, and the case may remain under public scrutiny given his high profile. The broader precedent established by this enforcement may influence how Brazil deals with other nationals convicted abroad and how foreign criminal sentences are executed domestically. The sports community and general public may continue to assess how accountability is applied when prominent athletes are involved.
📰 News On Robinho's Interview
+ https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/robinho-must-serve-rape-sentence-brazil-court-says-2024-03-20/
+ https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11679/13098921/robinho-former-man-city-forward-must-serve-nine-year-prison-sentence-for-rape-in-brazil