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Robinho was the latest in a long line of footballers to be described as 'the new Pelé'. The key differences in his case being that he started his career at Pelé's old club, Santos, and crucially the description was lent credence by the great man himself, saying of a 15-year-old Robinho: "This lad takes me back to the start of my career." Watching old footage of 'The King' from the World Cup in 1958 shows their similarities at the same age: both short, slight boys with tremendous skill and enthusiasm. With that kind of backing, Robinho seemed destined for the top at an early age.
Making his first-team debut in 2002, Robinho was a key part of the exciting Santos side that one that year's Brasileiro, along with other young players like Diego, Paulo Almeida and Renato. While the others' careers have stagnated somewhat after big European moves, Robson de Souza has made the biggest impression of the lot. His now infamous moment in the 2002 Brasileiro final against Corinthians, where he tricked experienced wingback Rogério into conceding a penalty with an almost endless stream of stepovers, was when he was a raw 18-year-old. He was fond of dribbling, and good at it, but small and weak in front of goal.
Over the next 2˝ years that changed as he matured physically and as a player. 21 goals in Santos' 2004 national title victory, coupled with the distressing kidnapping of his mother finally persuaded him that his future lay elsewhere. He began to make an impression on the international scene as well - replacing Ronaldo alongside Adriano for Brazil's Confederations Cup victory last summer. Real Madrid won the race to sign him, after finally agreeing a fee with Santos. Hampered by playing in a poor Madrid side has not helped his transition, but eight goals and some encouraging performances have shown there is plenty more to come from him yet.
He will almost certainly feature during this World Cup as a substitute, brought on towards the end of games to terrorise tiring defences. At this early stage of his career, he could hardly be expected to be selected ahead of the likes of Ronaldo and Adriano. But if Ronaldo picks up one of his frequent muscle strains, or if Brazil require something different, Robinho could be the ideal man with his intoxicating blend of skill and speed. A stellar career lies ahead.
Position: Attacking Midfield, Left-Wing or Forward
Appearances: 22
Goals: 5
Club: Real Madrid (Spain)
Full Name: Robson de Souza
Date of birth: 25 January 1984
Place of birth: São Vicente (SP)
International debut: Mexico 1-0 Brazil (13 July 2003)
World Cup Squads: 0
World Cup Appearances: 0
Santos – 2002-05
Real Madrid (Spain) – since 2005
Santos – Brazilian Championship (2002 & 04)
Confederations Cup (2005)
Brazilian Championship Player of the Season (2004), Brazilian Championship Team of the Season (2002 & 04)
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Bio written by: Chris Marks
Factfile compiled by: Mark Lowdon
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