LifeBogger presents the Full Story of a Football Legend best known by the Nickname; ‘King of Dribble’.

Our version of Robinho’s Biography Facts, including his Childhood Story, brings you a full account of notable events from his boyhood days till when he got famous.

The analysis of the Ex-Man City and Brazilian Football Legend involves his life story before fame, family life, and many little-known facts about him.

Yes, everyone knows about his playmaking abilities, but only a few fans consider Robinho’s biography story, which is quite interesting. Now, without further ado, let us begin.

Robinho Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:

For his Biography starters, the Brazilian bears the full names Robson de Souza. His nickname is Robinho.

Robinho was born on the 25th day of January in 1984 in São Vicente, São Paulo, Brazil. Robinho was born to his mother, Marina da Silva Souza (a caterer), and his father, Gilvan de Souza (a former salesman and football agent).

He started out playing football on the slum streets of Sao Vicente, a satellite town of Santos in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Robinho was the only kid in his neighbourhood that excelled much in the game.

He later progressed into playing indoor footy games in his hometown. Young Robinho was a point man and the leader of his team.

In one season, he scored an amazing 73 goals. He continued playing indoor samba football until he signed his first professional contract with Santos FC in 2002 at the age of 18.

He made 108 appearances and scored 47 goals for the club. His performances led him to Real Madrid, where he was given the number 10 shirt previously worn by Luís Figo. The Rest, as they say, is now history.

Robinho Family Life:

As stated earlier, Robinho came from a poor family background. Gilvan de Souza, pictured below, is the father of Robinho. He was a former salesman who turned into an agent, all thanks to his son’s career.

He is someone who loves loyalty and often faults his son for not giving much loyalty to the clubs he has played for.

His son, on the other hand, makes fun of everything he says about loyalty. According to Gulvan de Souza, “There is no such thing as wanting. Contracts have to be respected.”

About Robinho’s Mum:

Robinho’s mum, Marina da Silva Souza, is a Caterer by profession. She is currently 56 years as at the time of writing Robinho’s Biography.

A 23 years age gap separates Marina da Silva from her son. Both mother and son look like boyfriends and girlfriends – and are very close.

In November 2004, Robinho’s mother, Marina da Silva Souza, was kidnapped at gunpoint.

She was preparing a barbecue with friends in Praia Grande, a working-class area 45 miles from Sao Paulo, when gunmen burst into the house and bundled her into the boot of her car.

Robinho, upon hearing this, accepted the kidnapping threat as a hazard to his work.

Friends said Robinho had been put on alert about the dangers of his high profile and had bodyguards. However, his mother had ignored advice about precautions.

At first, the kidnappers hesitated to contact. When they finally did, they demanded £86,000 pounds which was instantly paid.

When Marina da Silva Souza was released by his kidnappers, her husband Carlos described the incident as “no big deal … the kind of thing that happens these days in Argentina.”

Without a doubt, having a high profile and great wealth made Robinho’s family a target.

Robinho Vivian Guglielminetti Love Story:

The Man City Legend has tasted love. In 2009, Robinho married Vivian Guglielminetti, his childhood sweetheart and Brazilian homemaker who he has dated since his childhood.

They saw each other for 12 years before eventually tying the knot.

Robinho was surprised to see scouts and a star-studded collection of Brazil stars at the ceremony. After pulling some trademark silly face during the ceremony, he said:

‘I am very excited. The party was exactly as we dreamed. Now it’s time to drink and celebrate with my friends!’

After his wedding, he tried to escape. Robinho is held back while being mobbed by journalists.

The couple have two sons, Robson Jr., who was born on 17 December 2007 (19 months before their marriage) in Santos, and Gianluca, who was born on 20 April 2011 in São Paulo.

Robinho Biography – Why he forced his wedding thru:

Starting off, Robinho faced a difficult time with ladies in England, which led him to force his wedding thru.

Before his wedding, he was once arrested after being accused of serious sexual assault over an alleged incident in a Leeds nightclub.

However, he denied any wrongdoing and was told he would not face any charges following a police investigation.

He also faced another notorious incident in Brazil when he, among other Brazil internationals, partied until five in the morning in Rio’s Catwalk Club, where he is said to have emerged to ask minders to pop to the chemists for a box of 40 contraceptives.

He forced himself to get married or risk losing his longtime girlfriend after observing he was risking his relationship.

Robinho Biography Facts – A Mentor to Neymar:

Yes, for at least half of his life, it was actually a big deal for Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior to be in someone else’s photograph.

Although, from the look on Neymar’s face, you would think this was all a bit of a nuisance.

In case if you are wondering, that is former Brazil star Robinho cheesing next to him. Oh, how times have changed.

Robinho once followed Pele to advise Neymar never to join Chelsea FC. It happened at a time Neymar was crazy about joining the club thanks to their Champions League dominance over Barcelona.

Robinho Biography Facts – Once a Friend to Pele:

Pele was such a great friend and mentored Robinho until the unfortunate happened between their friendship. (read below).

The Fallout:

Ex-Manchester City forward Robinho once demanded a formal apology from Pele after the Brazil legend reportedly claimed he had taken drugs.

The comments by Pele caused a sensation in Brazil. It left Robinho bemused and disappointed at someone he once referred to as a mentor.

Someone who seems to have forgotten the great idol he was. “It appears Pele must be reading sensationalist media, to come up with such wrongful statement,” Robinho said.

He demanded a formal retraction from Pele from his official website. According to Robinho, “If Pele does not come forward to retract his comment, I will have to deal with his very unfortunate comment in court.”

Football fans saw Robinho’s reaction to Pele’s comments as gross disrespect. Robinho had made fame get over his head that he had forgotten the child he once was to Pele.

Robinho Biography Facts – The Chelsea Snub:

Legendary Robinho had previously been linked with a transfer to Chelsea, and he had emphasized his desire to play for the London club up to the eve of the transfer. 

On 27 August, Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said that the club was “confident” that the transaction would go through, and Madrid had also given their consent for the player to leave.

Robinho’s expectancy to move to Chelsea was such that upon signing for Manchester City, he accidentally stated,

“On the last day, Chelsea made a great proposal, and I accepted.” To this comment, a reporter then replied, “You mean Manchester, right?” “Yeah, Manchester, sorry!” answered Robinho.

In an interview with The Guardian, Robinho stated that Manchester City is a big club and the presence of Brazilian friends Jô and Elano were incentives for him to join the team.

Final Football Moments:

On 16 July 2015, Robinho signed a six-month contract with Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao, managed by compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari and linked up with his international teammate Paulinho.

 On 23 July 2015, he made his unofficial debut for Guangzhou in an international friendly against Bayern Munich. He won the Chinese Super League in the 2015 season.

On 1 February 2016, Robinho became a free agent after his contract expired with Guangzhou.

On 11 February 2016, Robinho signed a two-year contract with Atlético Mineiro. He paved the way for youngsters (eg, the likes of Savinho) who rose to become winners with the great Brazilian club.

Robinho Biography Facts – What he is remembered for:

We remember Robinho for his quick, creative, agile, and technical abilities.

He is remembered for his flair, ball control, attacking instinct, and dribbling skills.

We remember Robinho for his use of tricks and feints, such as the step-over and the flip-flap, due to his quick feet.

He is remembered for his precocious performances and ability on the ball, which drew comparisons with compatriot Pelé in his youth.

We remember Robinho for his free role ability. One of the few players capable of playing several offensive positions, including wings.

He is remembered for his role as a supporting forward or as a main striker, and even as an attacking midfielder on occasion.

We remember Robinho for his tendency to get involved in the buildup of his teams’ attacking plays, as well as his capacity to both score and create goals.

He is remembered for his poor work rate, lack of tactical discipline, and slender physique, which often leads him to go to the ground easily.

We remember Robinho for the talent he demonstrated in his youth.

He is remembered for the inconsistency in his career. He has been accused by some in the sport of failing to live up to his potential.

We remember Robinho as someone who people once hailed as Pele’s successor. Robinho became a big disappointment to most of his fans and football lovers.

Without a doubt, Robinho remains a football legend and a BONAFIDE MEMBER OF OUR LIST OF CLASSIC FOOTBALLERS.

Fact Check:

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