Robinho life and biography

Róbson de Souza (born 25 January 1984 in São Vicente), more commonly known as Robinho, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays as a striker for Premier League side Manchester City. He is also a member of the Brazilian national team.

First noticed during indoor soccer games, when scoring a whopping 73 goals in one season. When he arrived at Santos, as a kid, Pelé didn't hesitate to say that he was a special player. And little by little, Robinho, born in the city of San Vicente, close to Sao Paulo, confirmed the predictions of "O Rei".

In Brazil, everyone was soon talking talked about this brash, scrawny and talented kid, who played an undisputable starring role in the Santos team that ended winning their national championship after an 18-year drought. At a continental level, he transcended with his performances during Santos' run to the Copa Libertadores.

In the 2003 edition of that tournament, Robinho, along with his inseparable friend Diego, revealed his class. However, they were stopped by Boca Juniors, coached by Carlos Bianchi, even though both gave an impressive showing.

As expected, the offers from Europe started pouring in. Young, talented and Brazilian seems to be a seductive combination for the big European clubs, and Real Madrid swooped. Even though he won a Liga title, he never seemed to be at ease in Madrid's "White House".

Finally, and at his insistence, he disembarked to Manchester City, but at the club he failed to settle and chose prove his credentials back in Brazil with a loan move to Santos. With his national team, he had an impressive Copa America 2007. Brazil won the championship and Robinho ended up as top scorer.

Strengths: Skilful and attack-minded, he can make all the difference for his team when he has the ball. The famous "pedalo" is one of his trademark moves.
Weaknesses: He can lose focus very easily. In some cases, he should learn to pass the ball a little bit earlier.

Career high: His performances during 2007 Copa America.
Career low: His first season at Real Madrid, where he rarely featured.

Style: Has superb ball-control and hunger for the goal.

Quotes: "I am very happy to hear about Barcelona's interest in me, because playing at Camp Nou would make it easier for me to become the best player in the world," Robinho, causing uneasiness in the front offices of Manchester City.

Trivia: He has an intense love-hate relationship with Pelé. The legend praised him heavily when he played for Santos, but then criticised his hasty transfer out of Real Madrid, and even involved him in a drug scandal. Robinho threatened to sue him.

Soccernet says: Robinho made his debut as a kid in Santos and much was expected of him. He hasn't been able to achieve his best level yet, neither with the European teams he played for, nor with the national team. The 2010 World Cup will be a big challenge for him.