Dani Alves and Robinho
Brazil’s football condemns the “brutal crimes” of its former stars
March 23, 2024, 3:34 p.m
Two former stars of Brazilian football are facing many years in prison: While Dani Alves is currently in prison, Robinho is still resisting imprisonment. The association, whose jersey they both once wore, finds clear words.
The depressing silence in Brazilian football over the rape convictions of its former stars Dani Alves and Robinho has come to an end. National coach Dorival Junior and the national association CBF castigated the crimes of the former Copa America winners in statements and emphasized sympathy and solidarity with the victims. The verdicts against the players are “the conclusion of one of the most disastrous chapters in Brazilian football,” the association said in a statement.
Dorival Junior clearly differentiated himself from his ex-player Robinho before the South Americans’ international match against hosts England in London on Saturday: “If a crime is proven, he must be punished – even if it hurts me because of our special relationship,” said the coach about his long-time protégé at FC Santos. Robinho played 100 international matches for Brazil, Alves even 126.
“Brutal crimes”
The CBF and the Selecao Technical Committee underlined their condolences for the victims in a press release. Dani Alves and Robinho’s actions were described as “brutal crimes” in the statement.
Both ex-stars were sentenced to several years in prison for rape. Dani Alves has been in prison in his former adopted home of Spain for several months. Robinho is due to serve the sentence imposed by an Italian court in his home country. Last Thursday, Brazilian police arrested the former AC Milan star striker in Santos.
Players and members of the Brazilian national team and CBF circles had not commented on the two cases for a long time. Until recently, the lack of understanding had grown in the country of the five-time world champion. The national players Ary Borges and Kerolin were among the harshest critics.
Meanwhile, Selecao defender Danilo did not directly address the responsibility of his ex-colleagues in London. Brazil’s 32-year-old reserve captain called for young players to be made aware of the situation of women. The defender from Italy’s record champions Juventus Turin demanded that a perceived lack of education among young professionals be eliminated. Associations and clubs need to “raise the awareness of young footballers so that they can empathically put themselves in the shoes of women,” said Danilo. Danilo did not make an immediate assessment of the crimes committed by Dani Alves and Robinho.