Robinho, once a star on the pitch, now calls an eight-square-metre cell his home as he works toward cutting down a nine-year sentence for gang rape.
Life on the Inside
Inside the notorious Dr. Jose Augusto Cesar Salgado P2 prison in Tremembe, Sao Paulo—often dubbed “the prison of the famous”—Robinho has adapted to a surprisingly structured routine.
He spends his days not only honing his football skills to entertain fellow inmates but also soaking up some sun and joining a reading club.
However, his contact with the outside world is limited to immediate family visits, keeping his personal life as confined as his cell.
Finding Purpose Through Work
In a bid to shorten his sentence, Robinho has taken on a new role within the prison.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, he can trim one day off his sentence for every 12 hours he works.
The 41-year-old former football star has already completed a 600-hour electronics course, now using his skills to repair radios and televisions.
Beyond his technical work, he’s also involved in gardening and has successfully completed a work and citizenship education programme comprising 10 modules.
Keeping Family Close
Although many inmates enjoy brief family releases over the holidays, Robinho wasn’t among those granted extra time during Christmas.
This means he missed out on spending festive moments with his wife, Vivian, and their three children back home in Santos.
When his family does visit, they’re allowed to bring a modest assortment of treats and essentials—ranging from food and clothes to games and non-explicit reading materials.
Even his 17-year-old son, Robinho Jr., brings along items like chess or checkers, eagerly awaiting his chance to someday play alongside Neymar at Santos.
A Notorious Company
Robinho’s prison isn’t your average correctional facility.
It’s home to a mix of high-profile inmates, including individuals with dark pasts—a man convicted of killing his daughter, another serving a 98-year sentence for kidnapping and murdering a teenager, and even a former doctor accused of abusing sedated patients.
Despite this grim company, Robinho’s lawyer, Mario Rosso, notes that he has managed to keep a low profile and maintain a calm demeanor, earning him a reputation as an exemplary inmate.
A Checkered Past and Legal Journey
Robinho’s troubles began long before his life took this drastic turn.
Initially sentenced in Italy in 2017 for gang rape—a charge stemming from an incident in a 2013 Italian nightclub involving assault on an Albanian woman—his legal saga stretched over many years.
Although Italian authorities initially sought to have him serve his sentence in Italy, legal complexities kept him in Brazil.
His conviction was ultimately upheld in December 2020, with evidence such as intercepted phone calls playing a pivotal role in confirming his guilt.
From Football Glory to Fall from Grace
Once celebrated as a rising star from the Santos academy and a celebrated player for teams like Real Madrid, Manchester City, AC Milan, and even the Brazil national team, Robinho’s career took a dramatic downturn following the scandal.
His transfer back to Santos in 2020—accompanied by a minimum wage contract—sparked controversy and led to a major sponsor withdrawing support.
Despite his achievements on the field, the weight of his past actions has forever altered the trajectory of his life.
Looking Forward
So, what’s next for Robinho? With his sentence still looming, he continues to navigate life within the prison walls by keeping busy with work, education, and even sports among fellow inmates.
His story remains a stark reminder of how drastically life can change, and raises questions about redemption, justice, and the possibility of new beginnings—even behind bars.