Robinho was born in Bermar, a poor neighborhood in Sau Paulo, he started playing football at his early age., In 2003 at the age of 17 Robinho signed his first professional contract with Santos. Scoring 9 goals in that season he helped Santos to reach the final, but they went down to Boca Juniors.
This took the attention of many European clubs. Santos, however turned down every offer and kept their star player at home. But in that year Robinho’s mother was kidnaped by gunmen and was later released unharmed only after paying a handsome amount of money. This spoiled the mind-set of Robinho and he managed to score only three goals during that season. At the end of the year it was very difficult for Santos to hold on to their star player.
The Spanish giant Real Madrid managed to sign Robinho for approximately 24 million Euros. Robinho played his first La Liga game on August 28 2005 in a 3-1 victory over Cardiz CF. He ended the season scoring 14 goals in 37 appearances. However, he lost his favor to the new coach Fabio Capello which made him sit on the bench during most of the 2006/2007 season. He contributed 11 goals and 14 assists during the 2007/2008 season. Then the president of the club announced that the Brazilian was transferred from the club to Manchester city for 32.5 million Pounds.
Although many English clubs had a debate over Robinho, Robinho chose Manchester City as his new home. Till now he has scored 12 goals in the English premier league which includes a hat trick against Stroke City. He also captained the side against the hull city which ended in a 2-2 draw. Even though with his presence Manchester city has failed to conquer the odds which proved that football is not an individual’s game.