Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ) is set to decide on Wednesday whether former Manchester City and Real Madrid striker, Robinho, will serve his nine-year rape sentence in Brazil, as requested by Italy.
Robinho, whose full name is Robson de Souza, has been embroiled in a legal battle since his conviction in 2017 for his involvement in the gang rape of a young Albanian woman at a Milan nightclub in 2013. Despite his protests of innocence, Italy’s highest court upheld his sentence, prompting Italian prosecutors to issue an international arrest warrant.
However, as Brazil does not extradite its nationals, Italy has sought to have Robinho serve his sentence in his home country. This request will be examined by the Brazilian justice system.
In a recent interview with Brazilian network TV Record, Robinho expressed hope for a fair hearing in Brazil, accusing the Italian justice system of racism and maintaining that the encounter was consensual.
If the ruling favors Italy, Robinho, now 40 years old, could remain free while awaiting an appeal to Brazil’s Supreme Court. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has expressed his desire for Robinho to “serve” the sentence on Brazilian soil.
Legal experts anticipate the approval of Italy’s request, considering the relatively recent law that allows for such transfers of sentences. If approved, it would be an unprecedented case in Brazil.
The cases of Robinho and former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain defender Dani Alves, who was also recently sentenced for rape, have drawn criticism over the failure of football authorities in Brazil to condemn violence against women. Despite these controversies, Robinho’s fall from grace has been stark, tarnishing the reputation of a player once hailed as the successor to Brazil’s footballing greats.
Having played for prestigious clubs in Europe and representing Brazil internationally, Robinho’s career has been marred by legal troubles and allegations. His return to Santos in 2020 was met with suspension after public outcry, effectively ending his career abruptly.