Robinho was charged with raping a woman in 2013 while playing in Italy. He was found guilty in 2017, and after several appeals, was convicted for his participation in the gang rape.

The former Real Madrid star was sentenced to jail in Brazil in March following a major Supreme Court ruling. Italian prosecutors wanted him to serve his sentence in Italy, but their attempt to extradite him failed.

What is Robinho Doing in Prison?

According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Robinho was acquiring new skills in basic electronics, such as TV and radio repair, through a program offered by the Brazilian Universal Institute to help inmates prepare for life after their release.

Robinho is serving his sentence at Tremembé Penitentiary II, a prison known for being a “celebrity” jail. His lawyer, Mario Rosso Vale, stated: “Robinho is keeping his head down and quietly getting on with it. He is being an exemplary inmate and has had no issues with other prisoners.

“They even gave him some football boots, once he was integrated, to join in the games during recreation time.”

Robinho was found guilty of gang-raping an Albanian woman in 2013 when he still played for AC Milan. And, even though he constantly denied taking part inthe event, there was no evidence to back his case up.

So, after a€60,000 settlement and the rejection of his appeal, the former Manchester City striker will be forced to commence his 9-year prison sentence, according to a report by The Mirror.

Court Rejects Robinho’s Rape Conviction Appeal

“The Court of Cassation in Rome rejected an appeal from the former Brazil international and Ricardo Falco – a friend of the former player – relating to the incident, which occurred in 2013,” read the report.“(…) The latest decision from the court in Rome is a final sentence with no room for further appeals with the sentence to begin immediately.”

Italy Can Request Robinho’s Extradition

“With the conviction, the Italian justice system can request the extradition of both Robinho and Falco, although the Brazilian constitution vetoes the extradition of Brazilians,” the Mirror added. “Due to this situation, Italy will be able to request that both men serve their sentences in a Brazilian jail. Italy must now request the transfer of execution of the sentence to the Brazilian justice system and wait for the Superior Court of Justice to ratify the sentence.”

Robinho retired in 2020 amid his legal turmoil and local authorities showed their displeasure with the situation, claiming that no rapist should be applauded regardless of his contributions to sports or how famous and wealthy they are.

The winger has now returned to his home club Santos, where he will play for a minimum wage of $271 a month, as he does not want to become aburdentothe team’s finances andthus,wants to helphis side.

Theveteranplayed for Santos from 2002 to 2005, thenon loan in 2010,and again on another loan in 2014-2015. BesidesMadrid, Milan and City, he has played for İstanbul Basaksehir,Sivasspor,Atletico Mineiro, andGuangzhou Evergrande.

Robinho-Santos: Eternal love story

“It’s a marvellous feeling being back at the club where I made my name. I grew up here. I always dreamed of being a footballer and Santos FC made this possible,” he saidafter the announcement.

“This has always been my home. My objective is to help on and off the pitch and get Santos in as high a place as possible.”