Gardening and appliance repair: how Robinho spent a year behind bars

It has been exactly one year since former Brazilian footballer Robinho found himself behind bars. In 2023, he was sentenced to nine years in prison for gang rape that occurred in Milan in 2013. Despite the former Real, Milan, and Manchester City player continuing to deny his guilt, he could not escape punishment.

The footballer's lawyers have unsuccessfully tried to get the case reviewed, arguing that the Brazilian judicial system should not be subject to Italian justice. However, for now, Robinho remains in the maximum-security Tremembé prison in São Paulo, known as the "celebrity prison." Here, high-profile criminals, politicians, and even serial killers are held.

Despite the harsh conditions, the ex-footballer strives to behave impeccably, aiming to achieve a reduction in his sentence. Brazilian media report that his behavior is exemplary: he participates in a book club, engages in gardening, repairs household appliances, and even plays football with fellow inmates.

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In hopes of early release, Robinho is participating in a work program: for every 12 hours of work, his sentence is reduced by one day. He currently shares an 8-square-meter cell with a 22-year-old inmate. Only close relatives can visit him, including his 17-year-old son, who recently signed a contract with Santos.

Meanwhile, legal proceedings continue, but hopes of overturning the sentence have almost vanished. In 2020, the Italian court definitively confirmed the punishment, and one of the accused in this case was recently found dead in Brazil. However, for Robinho, the priority now is adapting to life in prison and fighting to reduce his sentence.