Former Manchester City and Real Madrid footballer, Robinho, faced arrest in Brazil after failing to delay serving his nine-year sentence for raping a woman ten years ago. Despite his last-minute court bid, Supreme Court Judge Luiz Fux rejected Robinho’s request, stating that the detention order would be upheld.
Federal Police in Santos executed the arrest warrant against Robson de Souza, popularly known as Robinho. The footballer, now 40, was found guilty by an Italian court in 2017 for his involvement in the gang rape of a woman in Milan in 2013. Despite losing an appeal in 2020, Robinho’s sentence was upheld by Italy’s highest court in 2022.
Brazil, where Robinho is a national, does not extradite its citizens. Thus, Italy requested that he serve his sentence in Brazil. Following a court decision in Brasilia, Robinho’s incarceration became imminent.
Robinho’s case has sparked outrage over the failure of football authorities in Brazil to address violence against women. Similar to Dani Alves, another former football star convicted of rape, Robinho’s situation highlights the impunity prevalent in the sport.
Despite protests of innocence and accusations of racism against the Italian justice system, Robinho’s conviction stands. His fall from grace is a stark reminder of the consequences of criminal behavior, tarnishing the legacy of a once-prominent footballer.
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As Robinho faces imprisonment in Brazil, the football world reflects on the need for accountability and justice, especially concerning crimes against women. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility of sports figures to uphold moral standards and the repercussions of their actions on and off the field.
