Brazilian footballer Robinho begins serving 9-year prison term in his home country for 2013 sexual assault case in Italy

Former football star Robinho has begun serving a nine-year prison sentence in Brazil after losing his appeal to remain free pending further appeals. The 40-year-old was convicted in Italy in 2017 for his involvement in a group sexual assault in 2013 while playing for AC Milan. Despite denying any wrongdoing and claiming that his relations with the woman were consensual, Robinho surrendered his passport to Brazilian authorities in March 2023. The Brazilian high court ruled 9-2 to uphold his conviction, stating that Brazil cannot be a haven for criminals.

Robinho rose to fame in 2002 as a young player leading Santos to their first national title. He continued to have success in his career, playing for teams like Real Madrid, Manchester City, AC Milan, and the Brazilian national team. However, his career was marred by allegations of rape during his time in England, although no charges were filed. After the incident, Robinho returned to Santos to mentor Neymar and later played for clubs in China, Turkey, and back in Brazil. His career took a significant hit with the rape conviction in Italy, leading to his imprisonment in his home country.

Despite his legal troubles, Robinho has maintained his innocence and blamed racism for his conviction in Italy. He claimed that the same people who failed to address racism were the ones who sentenced him. Robinho’s case highlights the ongoing issue of racism in football and society, with the former player believing that it played a role in his legal troubles. His comments reflect a broader discussion around racism in the sport and the lack of accountability for those who perpetuate discriminatory behavior.

In Brazil, authorities have yet to disclose which penitentiary Robinho will be taken to serve his sentence. He is expected to spend his first hours in custody at a hearing with a judge to address any potential legal issues that may have arisen during the arrest proceedings. Robinho’s lawyers have sought a new trial in Brazil on the grounds of national sovereignty, but it remains to be seen if their efforts will be successful. The former footballer will have to navigate the Brazilian legal system while serving his sentence for the crimes he was convicted of in Italy.

The case of Robinho serves as a cautionary tale for athletes and public figures, highlighting the consequences of harmful behavior and misconduct. Despite his success on the field, Robinho’s legal troubles have overshadowed his career and brought negative attention to his name. The high court’s ruling to uphold his conviction sends a strong message that criminal behavior will not be tolerated, even for prominent individuals. As Robinho begins his prison sentence, he faces the consequences of his actions and serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and justice in society.