Former Brazilian soccer star Robinho will spend Christmas behind bars after his appeal against a nine-year sentence for rape was rejected by an Italian court.
Robinho, whose real name is Robson de Souza, was convicted in 2017 for his involvement in the gang rape of a 22-year-old Albanian woman at a nightclub in Milan in 2013. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The 38-year-old’s initial sentence was upheld by the Milan Court of Appeal, and he was taken into custody earlier this month.
Robinho’s lawyers have stated that they will appeal the decision to the Italian Supreme Court.
The Brazilian forward had a storied career, playing for top-tier clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester City, and AC Milan, as well as earning 100 caps for the Brazilian national team.
However, his off-field troubles have overshadowed his achievements in recent years.
Robinho will now spend the holiday season in the Bollate prison in Milan, awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
