Once hailed as one of Brazil’s brightest football stars, Robinho is now drawing attention for a very different reason: his unexpected ambition to launch a sports betting company once he completes his prison sentence.
Currently incarcerated at Tremembé Prison in São Paulo, Robinho is serving a 9-year sentence for his involvement in a 2013 gang rape case in Milan. Despite the serious nature of his conviction, the 41-year-old former Real Madrid and Santos striker appears to be preparing for life after prison—with an unusual business partner.
A Controversial Business Partnership
According to Brazilian media, Robinho is teaming up with Walter Delgatti, a notorious hacker who was sentenced to over eight years in prison for breaching Brazil’s National Justice system. Though the two are not cellmates, they reportedly meet during outdoor yard time to discuss business strategies. Robinho is said to be the brains behind the venture, while Delgatti offers the technical expertise.
The idea? A startup in the online betting sector, a market that’s booming in Brazil.
Model Inmate… or Desperate for Redemption?
Robinho has been working hard to shorten his sentence under Brazilian penal laws, which allow inmates to reduce jail time by working or studying. For every 12 hours of labor, one day is taken off the sentence.
Robinho has completed a 600-hour electronics course, repairs radios and TVs for fellow inmates, tends the prison vegetable garden, joins a book club, and has completed the full “Labor and Citizenship Education” program. His lawyers hope this will qualify him for semi-open prison status, allowing more freedom.
Despite his outwardly disciplined behavior, sources close to Robinho reveal he may be struggling emotionally. There are concerns about depression, especially following the recent mysterious death of his close friend and co-defendant Rudney Gomes da Silva, who was found dead in a parking lot in Santos.
Family Support Remains Strong
Through it all, Robinho’s family continues to visit him regularly. His wife and three children provide emotional support, especially his 17-year-old son Robson Jr., who recently debuted for Santos—the very club where Robinho’s professional career began.
Ironically, it was in Santos where Robinho was arrested in 2023 after Brazil’s Supreme Court approved the enforcement of the Italian court’s verdict.
Now living in an 8-square-meter cell with a young cellmate facing charges for inciting suicide, Robinho leads a quiet life. He rarely plays football in prison and avoids the limelight. Still, according to his lawyer Mario Rosso, “Robinho remains mentally stable, has no conflicts in prison, stays busy, and behaves respectfully.”
Yet, his plans for a betting company startup with a convicted hacker raise eyebrows and questions about redemption, legality, and public perception. Once a national icon on the football pitch, can Robinho successfully rebuild his life and image from behind bars—and will the world accept his second act?
Sources: Znews
You must be logged in to post a comment.