Introduction: A New Generation in Brazilian Football Robson de Souza Júnior, better known as Robinho Júnior or simply Juninho, is a young Brazilian football talent turning heads among Santos fans. At 17, he carries in his blood the legacy of one of Vila Belmiro’s greatest idols: his father, the former player Robinho. Born on December 17, 2007, in Santos, São Paulo, Robinho Júnior arrived while his father was playing for Real Madrid in Spain, but the family soon returned to the city that shaped both careers. With quick dribbles, sharp vision, and a passion for Santos that seems inherited, the kid represents hope for a new era at the Peixe—especially in a year like 2025, marked by rebuilding and emotional comebacks. This story is not just about football; it’s about overcoming, family, and the weight of a famous surname. Robinho Júnior has stood out in the youth system, and his first senior-team appearances show he’s ready to soar. Let’s dive into this young attacking midfielder’s journey—from his first kicks to the latest buzz electrifying the fanbase.
The Father’s Legacy: Robinho, Santos’ Eternal Idol To understand Robinho Júnior, it’s impossible to ignore the shadow—or rather, the light—of his father. Robinho, full name Robson de Souza, is one of the greatest talents Brazilian football has ever produced. Revealed by Santos in 2002, he burst onto the scene as the “Vila Kid,” leading the club to titles like the 2011 Copa Libertadores and dazzling the world with mind-boggling dribbles. Stints at Real Madrid, Manchester City, Milan, and the Brazilian national team defined a career full of glory but also controversy. Robinho Júnior grew up hearing tales of how his father, wearing the No. 7 shirt, turned matches into displays of football artistry. “My dad always told me about training at the Vila, about Pelé and the idols who inspired him,” the youngster said in a rare youth-team interview. The inheritance isn’t just genetic: from an early age, Juninho trained with his father’s old balls, mimicking the dribbles that left defenders on the ground. Santos, aware of the potential, has always treated him as a homegrown gem, integrating him early into the lower ranks. The father-son bond goes beyond the pitch. Robinho, despite personal challenges in recent years, has been a constant presence in his son’s development, urging focus on the game and discipline. It’s a legacy that weighs heavy but also motivates: Robinho Júnior knows that carrying the No. 7 surname means honoring not just his father but an entire Santos nation.
First Steps: Childhood and Youth Football Beginnings Robinho Júnior’s football journey started early, as is common in professional players’ families. Born in Santos, he spent his first years traveling with the family while Robinho played in Europe. At age 10, Juninho switched from futsal to field football—a transition his mother, Vivian Guglielmetti, made possible with tireless dedication. During Robinho’s spell at Atlético Mineiro between 2016 and 2017, Vivian drove every Friday from Belo Horizonte to Santos so her son could play for Portuários on Saturday. That routine, lasting over a year, shaped the boy’s character and taught him the value of persistence. In 2022, at 14, Robinho Júnior joined Santos’ youth academy—his dream club. Starting in the under-15s, he quickly stood out for his ball control. His style—short-space dribbles, precise passes, and goal-scoring instinct—echoes his father but with modern touches influenced by today’s fast, vertical game. In the under-17s in 2023, he was an undisputed starter, competing in regional tournaments and catching scouts’ eyes. Promotion to the under-20s came in 2025—a career milestone. Freshly 17, Juninho played in the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior (Copinha), where Santos bowed out in the third round to Ferroviária on penalties. Despite the team disappointment, the youngster featured in two matches and scored once, staying cool under pressure. “Copinha is tough, but it taught me to handle defeats,” he said in an internal club presser. Those early steps built confidence and drew senior-squad attention.
Youth Highlights: Titles and Personal Records 2024 was Robinho Júnior’s springboard. In the Paulista under-17 championship, he was pivotal in Santos’ title win, finishing joint top scorer with Luca Meirelles at nine goals. His decisive strikes in semifinals and finals showed not just skill but leadership for a 16-year-old. “He’s a self-taught footballer who learns by watching the seniors,” praised José Renato Quaresma, Santos’ youth director. In 2025, the upward trajectory continued. In the Brasileirão under-20, Juninho played nine matches and scored three times, contributing to six goals across 18 games this season. His versatility as an attacking midfielder—able to play wide left or centrally—makes him unpredictable. Coaches highlight his long-range finishing and composure in clutch moments. He was registered for the senior Paulista squad in February, though he hasn’t debuted in the state league yet. These feats didn’t go unnoticed. Santos renewed his contract in July 2025, extending until April 2027 with a €50 million release clause (around R$320 million). It’s a clear signal the club sees him as the future of their attack, especially in a rebuilding project banking on youth to reclaim national prominence.
Senior Debut: Unforgettable Moments in 2025 The big leap came in July 2025, when Robinho Júnior took his first senior steps. His unofficial debut was on July 10 in the Vitória Cup friendly against Desportiva Ferroviária in Espírito Santo. Wearing the legendary No. 7, the kid came on in the second half and, in his first notable action, assisted Diego Pituca’s goal in a 3-1 win. “It was a dream come true. I felt my dad right there with me,” he said, eyes misty, after the match. Six days later came the official debut: on July 16 in the Brasileirão, Santos beat Flamengo 1-0 at Vila Belmiro, with Neymar scoring. Robinho Júnior replaced Álvaro Barreal in the second half, showing maturity by building plays and helping close out the result. The packed stands roared for the youngster as if he were 2002 Robinho reborn. “He’s skillful, finishes well, and doesn’t panic,” said coach Cleber Xavier post-match. On July 3, Santos registered him for the Brasileirão alongside nine other academy kids, signaling full trust. On July 9, he officially received the senior No. 7 shirt—a symbolic gesture that moved the family. These debuts mark a transition: still treated as under-20, Juninho trains daily with the pros but is shielded from excessive media pressure.
Influences and Mentors: Neymar’s Role in the Youngster’s Development One of 2025’s most inspiring chapters is Robinho Júnior’s closeness to Neymar. With the star’s return to Santos early in the year, Juninho found not just a teammate but a mentor. In February, the kid posted a social-media video honoring Neymar, calling him an idol just as his father had been for the current No. 10. “One day he was a fan of my dad; today he’s my idol,” he wrote. Neymar replied touched: “Your dad looked after me when I was the Vila Kid; now I look after you.” The partnership lit up the internet on July 14 when a clip of Juninho practicing free-kicks with Neymar at CT Rei Pelé went viral. The boy hit the net repeatedly with stunning accuracy while the star applauded and offered tips. “I’m rooting hard for him. I saw him tiny; now he plays beside me. Time flies, and the kid’s got football,” Neymar said after the Flamengo win. The friendship isn’t just symbolic: Neymar invites Juninho to extra sessions focusing on set pieces and emotional control—areas where the youngster is still growing. Other mentors include veterans like Diego Pituca and coach Cleber Xavier, who guide him on professionalism. “Neymar teaches me to smile in training even on bad days,” Juninho confided. This support network is crucial for a kid who, despite talent, still navigates expectations of being “the son of.”
Personal Challenges: Overcoming and a Low-Key Routine Being the son of a legend isn’t all glory; it brings challenges Robinho Júnior faces with resilience. Physically, he’s considered a “late bloomer”: at 17, he lacks the robust build of some peers, putting him at a disadvantage in aerial duels or against older defenders. Born in December, he competes against players up to 11 months older, requiring patience in development. Family and club prioritize a discreet routine. Unlike other teens flooding social media, Juninho keeps a low profile, posting only training and family photos. This choice stems from club-provided psychological support to handle the surname’s weight. Robinho’s imprisonment since March 2024 in Tremembé over Italian legal issues is a sensitive topic. “I focus on football. My dad taught me to be strong,” the boy said in a rare statement. Still, fan excitement is palpable. Supporters stop him in Santos streets for photos, and some call him “the new Robinho.” The club manages it carefully, avoiding exclusive interviews to protect him. “He’s treated as an under-20 in transition, not a star,” explains Quaresma. This discreet approach, plus psychological backing, has helped Juninho turn challenges into growth fuel.
Recent Updates: What to Expect from Robinho Júnior in 2025 and Beyond As of today, November 10, 2025, Robinho Júnior is in a consolidation phase. After Paulista registration in February and Brasileirão in July, he’s racking up valuable senior minutes. In October, during the FIFA international break, Juninho was named to the squad against Palmeiras, coming on at the 70th minute and nearly scoring in a one-two with Neymar. His under-20 stats remain impressive: two more goals in the second half of the youth Brasileirão, totaling five this season. The 2027 renewal underscores Santos’ commitment. Management sees him as a cornerstone in rebuilding, alongside five other youngsters in the first team. European club interest rumors already swirl, but the focus is domestic: he dreams of playing Libertadores for the Peixe in 2026. “I want to win titles like my dad,” he says. With Santos fighting for a G-6 spot, more chances could come before year-end. Off the pitch, Juninho joins club social projects, visiting youth initiatives in Santos. His mother, Vivian, remains the pillar, managing his schedule and balance. Recent weeks brought analyst praise: “He has his dad’s dribble and his head screwed on right,” wrote a Folha columnist. In November, he’s at an international training camp with Brazil’s under-17s, which could fast-track his projection.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead Robinho Júnior is not just Robinho’s son; he’s a talent in his own right, shaped by Vila Belmiro and boosted by mentors like Neymar. At 17, with memorable debuts, youth titles, and a renewal screaming confidence, Juninho embodies Santos’ rebirth. His dribbles, goals, and quiet smiles promise to thrill generations. As 2025 winds down, the football world waits eagerly: what’s next in 2026? One thing is certain: Robinho’s legacy gains a new chapter in his son’s boots. Long may the Vila pulse to this young star’s rhythm.
