Robinho

Robson de Souza (born January 25, 1984 in São Vicente, Brazil), nicknamed Robinho (Little Rob) is a Brazilian football player (forward), considered by many to be one of the greatest players in the Brazilian league since his debut for Santos Football Club in 2002; in addition to excelling in the national league, he is also one of the most promising prospects for the Brazilian national team.

Related Topics:
January 25 - 1984 - São Vicente - Brazil - Football - Brazilian league - Santos Football Club - Brazilian national team

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Robinho made his debut for Santos in 2002 when, along with teammate Diego, he helped lead the club to win its greatest honour since Pelé retired. After a disappointing 2003 season, Robinho exploded in 2004, scoring 21 goals in 36 matches in the league. Robinho has also appeared for Santos in two Copa Libertadores, helping Santos finish runners-up to Boca Juniors in the 2003 tournament.

Related Topics:
Diego - Copa Libertadores - Boca Juniors

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Robinho's performances over the past three years had attracted the attention of the great clubs from Europe, but Santos were reluctant to let him go (foreseeing a possible decay of the club's playing strength).

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However, he expressed a desire for leaving the country since his mother was kidnapped, by the end of 2004, and was held captive for two months (one among several cases of relatives of famous Brazilian footballers kidnapped recently). He finally left Brazil in the summer of 2005 and started his European club career with Spanish giants Real Madrid. On July 31 Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid agreed a fee of about 30 million US$ for the striker. Robinho joined the side on August 25, and teamed up with fellow Brazilian internationals Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Julio Baptista to make his debut against Cadiz, coming on as substitute in the second half for Thomas Gravesen. His shirt number for the season is 10.

Related Topics:
Real Madrid - July 31 - La Liga - August 25 - Brazilian internationals - Ronaldo - Roberto Carlos - Julio Baptista - Thomas Gravesen

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