Robinho's one year in prison – Job behind bars, new company launch, family visits

Disgraced ex-Manchester City forward Robinho has served the first year of his nine-year prison sentence. The 41-year-old was found guilty of rape by an Italian court in 2017, but did not begin to serve his sentence in Brazil until March 2024.

The ex-footballer enjoyed a glittering career on the pitch, earning a high-profile move to Real Madrid after starring for Brazilian side Santos. In 2008, he completed a deadline day £32.5million transfer to City, where he spent two years. Robinho later joined AC Milan with subsequent spells in China, Turkey and his homeland. He also earned 100 caps for Brazil.

Robinho was found guilty of participating in the gang rape of a woman at a Milan nightclub in 2013. After years of appeals and attempts by the Italian court to extradite Robinho, who pleaded not guilty, reports have emerged about how the football star has spent his time behind bars.

Robinho is incarcerated in Sao Paulo's notorious Tremembe prison complex, which has been dubbed 'prison of the famous' due to its other high-profile inmates. Among them is hacker Walter Delgatti, who is claimed to be planning to start a business with Robinho when both men have served their time.

Marca reports that Delgatti has told multiple people within the prison of his intention to launch a betting company alongside Robinho. Delgatti is serving an eight-year and three-month sentence after being convicted of hacking Brazil's National Justice Council.

Brazilian outlet Veja has stated that Delgatti has discussed his business plan with his lawyer Ariovaldo Moreira, who confirmed to the publication that the conversation had taken place. Robinho and Delgatti are in separate cells but are claimed to spend time together in the prison yard.

Robinho, born Robson de Souza, spends his time working and is enrolled in various courses. He is undergoing a 600-hour electronics course, repairing TVs and radios, and has completed all 10 modules in the Work and Citizenship Education programme.

Robinho is also enrolled in a reading club and helps out in the vegetable garden. The 41-year-old is said to have behaved well during his sentence and is seeking a move to semi-open prison conditions, though he has so far been unsuccessful.

There is another reason for Robinho to keep working: for every 12 hours of work, a day is reduced from his sentence. "He keeps his head down and moves forward calmly; he is an exemplary prisoner and has had no problems with other inmates, he keeps himself busy," his lawyer Mario Rosso said, as per Marca.

Meanwhile, Robinho has received family visits during his first year in prison. His wife and three children have reportedly been frequent visitors. His eldest son, Robinho Junior, 17, made his professional debut for Santos last month.

Prisoners are only allowed to receive visits from first-degree relatives: parents, spouse and children. Visitors are permitted to give food, clothing, writing materials, books, magazines and games, such as chess and draughts.

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