• The guards are the ones in charge
• Robinho denied rumors that he has become a leading figure in the prison or suffers from psychological issues due to his situation
• He firmly stated: They say I’m a leader among inmates or that I have mental problems, and all of this is false

In a dramatic turn for one of Brazil’s most famous football stars, former striker Robinho is now serving his sentence behind bars in São Paulo, far removed from the glory and spotlight he once enjoyed at Real Madrid, Manchester City, and AC Milan

In his latest appearance from inside his cell, Robinho broke his silence in a recently released video, strongly rejecting circulating rumors that he receives “special treatment” in what the media calls the “celebrity prison,” affirming that he lives like any ordinary inmate while reiterating his innocence regarding the charge that ended his career

From glory to the celebrity prison

Robinho’s career was once the dream of any footballer: a meteoric rise from Santos in Brazil, a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid (2005–2008), a historic move to Manchester City, and an important stint at AC Milan. But that glory turned into a nightmare

In 2022, an Italian court upheld a final ruling sentencing him to nine years in prison for his involvement in a shocking 2013 gang rape case in Milan

Since Brazil does not extradite its citizens, the former star serves his sentence in his home country

Robinho is currently held at the “P2 Tremembé” prison in São Paulo, a facility known for housing politicians and celebrities convicted of various crimes, earning it the nickname celebrity prison

The guards are the ones in charge

This nickname fueled rumors that Robinho enjoyed special privileges. However, in the latest video published by the community organization “Taubaté” (which monitors prison conditions), Robinho denied this entirely

He spoke candidly about his daily life as a regular inmate, saying: “No one treats me differently because I was a football player

Here, the guards are the ones in charge, and we prisoners only obey. My life inside the prison is no different from any other inmate

Robinho confirmed he receives no preferential treatment and lives like the other inmates. He explained: My meals and sleep are the same as everyone else. I’ve never had special food. When it’s work time, I participate like the others. Even football, the game that made him famous, has strict rules: We are allowed to play football only on Sundays when there’s no work

He also mentioned visiting restrictions: Visits only happen on weekends. When my wife doesn’t come alone, she comes with my three children. Visits are limited, and the rules are the same for everyone

I am innocent… all of this is false

Since the start of his trial, Robinho has maintained his innocence. In a 2024 interview with TV Record, he claimed he had sufficient evidence to prove his innocence, but the Italian judiciary disregarded it and asserted that his relationship with the victim was “consensual,” adding: Our relationship was brief and casual. I never denied what happened because nothing was forced, and I have been honest from the start

Despite his repeated defenses, his statements have not changed the outcome, as the Brazilian court rejected a new appeal, keeping him to serve his full sentence

Robinho also refuted claims that he became a leading figure among prisoners or suffered psychological issues due to his situation

He firmly stated: They say I’m a leader among inmates or that I have mental problems, and all of this is false. I’ve never taken any medication in my life, and I live here calmly, performing my duties like any other inmate