In 2002, Robinho graduated to the Santos first team. His work at the front helped them win the Brazilian National Championships in 2002 and 2004, as well as place second to Boca Juniors in the 2003 Copa Libertadores.

Robinho's contributions to Santos attracted a great deal of attention from the top European football clubs. Robinho's skill drew the offers of several European clubs, but it took the kidnapping of his mother in late 2004 to convince him to leave. On July 31, 2005, Robinho signed with Real Madrid for five years at $30 million and joined his fellow Brazilian internationals Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Júlio Baptista.

He made his La Liga debut on August 28th in a 2-1 victory against Cádiz as a second half substitute for Thomas Gravesen. In his first season, Robinho scored eight goals, but the arrival of José Antonio Reyes has brought the length of Robinho's stay into question.

One of his most recent performances though, in the "El Classico" against Barcelona, which he earned the Man of the Match award may have impressed Fabio Capello.

National team Robinho playing against SwitzerlandIn 2003, Robinho was called up to join the prestigious ranks of the Brazilian national football team. His first internation appearance came in the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, where despite his team's loss, Robinho displayed his talent on the international stage.

Robinho played in each game of the 2006 FIFA World Cup group stage, but only started in the final game against Japan.