Former Real Madrid and Manchester City forward Robinho, who is currently serving a nine-year sentence for rape in Brazil, has reportedly helped create a makeshift dating system within the prison walls. Dubbed ‘jail Tinder’ by inmates, the offline dating scheme has been set up between Robinho’s prison, Dr. Jose Augusto Cesar Salgado P2, and a women’s penitentiary located approximately five kilometers away.
The 40-year-old Brazilian, once hailed as a footballing prodigy, was found guilty of gang rape by an Italian court in March 2024. The incident, which occurred in a Milan nightclub in January 2013, involved Robinho and five other men assaulting an Albanian woman. The conviction marked a stunning fall from grace for the former Seleção star, who had previously dazzled fans with his skillful performances on the pitch.
According to reports from Sport, Robinho and his fellow inmates have devised an ingenious system to connect with women serving time in the nearby penitentiary. The ‘jail Tinder’ operates through the exchange of photographs between prisoners, with guards acting as intermediaries to read and deliver the letters sent between the two facilities.
The revelation of Robinho’s involvement in the prison dating scheme has shed light on the stark contrast between his former life as a celebrated footballer and his current reality behind bars. Once a key player for clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and AC Milan, the Brazilian now finds himself navigating the complex social dynamics of prison life.
Robinho’s journey from the pinnacle of world football to a jail cell began in 2017 when an Italian court initially sentenced him to nine years in prison for his role in the gang rape. However, it took seven years for the case to be resolved, with the final verdict being delivered in March 2024.
The prolonged legal battle had a profound impact on Robinho’s personal and professional life. After his initial conviction, he faced public backlash and saw his once-thriving career come to an abrupt halt. Clubs distanced themselves from the tainted star, and sponsorship deals evaporated, leaving Robinho to confront the consequences of his actions.
In the wake of his sentencing, Robinho was transferred to the Dr. Jose Augusto Cesar Salgado P2 prison in Tremembe, Sao Paulo state, to begin serving his nine-year term. The former footballer, accustomed to the luxuries and adulation that came with his success on the pitch, now finds himself navigating the harsh realities of prison life.
Reports suggest that Robinho’s celebrity status has not afforded him any special privileges within the prison walls. Unlike many of his fellow inmates, the former Manchester City forward was not granted the customary 11 days of freedom over the Christmas period. This meant that he was unable to spend time with his wife, Vivian, and their three children at their home in Santos.
The creation of the ‘jail Tinder’ system highlights the human need for connection and intimacy, even in the most challenging of circumstances. While the ethics and legality of such a system may be questionable, it underscores the profound impact that incarceration can have on an individual’s social and emotional well-being.
As Robinho continues to serve his sentence, the once-beloved footballer’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of one’s actions. The stark contrast between his former life of fame and fortune and his current reality behind bars is a sobering reminder that no one is above the law.
While the ‘jail Tinder’ may provide a temporary escape from the isolation and monotony of prison life, it cannot erase the gravity of Robinho’s crimes or the lasting impact they have had on his victim and society as a whole. As he navigates the long road ahead, the former Real Madrid star must come to terms with the choices that led him to this point and the price he must pay for his actions.
