Robinho has had four spells at boyhood club Santos during his football career though he didn’t manage to play a single game in his fourth spell at the club in 2020 after he was sacked over a raping incident at a nightclub in Milan. Robinho was sacked by Santos following protests over the decision to sign him after he had been convicted of sexual assault.
Brazilian star Robinho began his career at Santos. After spending six years in the Santos youth teams, the attacker was promoted into the first team in 2002. He signed his first professional contract at Santos at the age of just 18. In his first season with the Santos first team, Robinho scored once in 24 games as his team won the 2002 Campeonato Brasileiro. The attacker was part of the Santos squad that reached the Copa Libertadores final before they lost to Argentine side Boca Juniors.
Robinho enjoyed his most productive season at Santos till date in 2004 when he scored 21 goals in 37 games as he led the team to another Campeonato Brasileiro. His form didn’t go unnoticed amongst the European teams but Santos blocked any transfer in the summer of 2004 as he spent another season at the club. Robinhosuffered a drop in form in 2005 after his mother was kidnapped. His mother spent six weeks in the kidnappers’ den before she was released unharmed after a ransom had been paid. He returned to form afterwards with a return of nine goals in 12 league games.
The form of Robinho made Santos officials come to the conclusion that they won’t be able to hold on to him. Spanish giants Real Madrid agreed a deal to sign Robinho from Santos in July 2005 as they paid €24m for him which was equal to 60% of his €40m buyout clause at the club (Santos).
