Brazilian football has always been a cradle of talent that captivates the world, and Santos FC, with its legendary tradition of producing superstars, continues to write inspiring stories. One name that has drawn the most attention in recent months is Robinho Júnior – the 17-year-old forward who carries the weight and glory of a club idol in his surname. Son of Robson de Souza, the eternal Robinho who dazzled in the black-and-white shirt in the 2000s, Robinho Júnior emerges as a fresh, hungry prospect full of skill and determination. Born on December 17, 2007, in Santos itself, he represents not only the continuation of a footballing bloodline but also the resilience of a family facing challenges to build a promising future.
Standing 1.70 m tall and possessing the explosive speed that recalls his father in his prime, Robinho Júnior plays mainly as a left winger or second striker. His sharp vision and clinical finishing already make him an important piece in the Santos squad. What makes him truly special, however, goes beyond the pitch: it’s the maturity with which he handles the pressure of being the son of a legend, amid a complicated family situation. In a 2025 marked by memorable debuts and keen European eyes, Robinho Júnior is proving that talent runs in the blood – and that the dream of shining at the Vila Belmiro can reach far beyond Brazil’s borders.
First Steps: A Childhood Surrounded by Balls and Dreams
Robinho Júnior grew up in an environment where football wasn’t just a sport – it was a way of life. The son of Robinho, who left Santos to conquer the world at Real Madrid, Milan, and with the Brazilian national team, little Robson de Souza Júnior saw his father as the ultimate role model from an early age. As a child, he kicked a ball in the streets of Santos, imitating the quick dribbles and impossible goals his dad used to score. “My father always told me that football is joy, but it demands discipline,” the youngster said in a rare interview, echoing lessons he heard from his earliest years.
At age 10 he was already trying out for Santos, the family’s beloved club. He came through the academy in 2022 at just 14 and was initially nicknamed “Juninho” by the club to avoid direct comparisons with his father, who at the time was already facing legal controversies. That nickname, however, was short-lived. With Robinho’s own encouragement – even while imprisoned in Tremembé penitentiary in São Paulo state, following the boy’s career through video calls and advice relayed by lawyers – the teenager chose to fully embrace the name Robinho Júnior. “He encouraged me to be myself. Not to run from the legacy, but to honor it,” the forward revealed in July 2025, shortly after his debut.
Those early years were crucial in shaping his character. Training at the CT Rei Pelé, he learned not only technique but values like humility and perseverance. Academy teammates say that, despite being the son of a famous player, Robinho Júnior cleaned the dressing rooms and shared snacks with everyone, never asking for special treatment. That solid foundation prepared him for what was to come: the leap to the professional team at a Santos still fighting to stay among Brazil’s elite.
Rise Through the Youth Ranks: Titles and Goal-Scoring Feats
Robinho Júnior’s journey through Santos’ youth system was meteoric. In 2024, at 16, he was a key figure in winning the Paulista U-17 Championship. Top scorer alongside Luca Meirelles, he netted nine goals in the competition, displaying clinical finishing and big-game temperament. His short, sharp dribbles – reminiscent of his father – tore apart opposing defenses, and his partnership with teammates like midfielder João Schmidt Júnior promised a bright future for the Peixe.
Early 2025 brought the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior – the famous Copinha, every young São Paulo player’s dream. Robinho Júnior played two matches and scored once, contributing to Santos’ campaign. Those modest numbers in the Copinha hide constant improvement: in training he stood out with creative assists and long-range shots that forced miraculous saves. Across all youth competitions, he has more than 20 official goals – a calling card that caught the senior staff’s attention.
He signed his first professional contract in 2024, running until 2027 with an initial release clause of R$297 million – a figure that reflects Santos’ huge belief in his potential. But 2025 would be the turning point. First called up in February for a Paulistão match against Noroeste, he stayed on the bench, tasting the bitterness of waiting. The dream finally came true in July, but his youth-team exploits had already marked him as one of Brazil’s most valuable new-generation jewels.
Professional Debut: Assists and On-Field Lessons
Robinho Júnior’s first-team debut came on July 10, 2025, in a friendly Vitória Cup match against Desportiva Ferroviária. Wearing the sacred number 7 – his father’s old number – he came on in the second half and, in his first meaningful touch, delivered a pinpoint assist for midfielder Diego Pituca, sealing a 3–1 victory. The stadium erupted, and the 17-year-old left the pitch in tears, hugging the coach who promoted him.
Six days later came the official debut: July 16 against Flamengo in the Brasileirão. Santos won 1–0, and Robinho Júnior, again as a substitute, showed personality in his 20 minutes on the pitch. Quick touches and a dangerous run down the left earned roars from the crowd. “He plays without fear. That’s rare at his age,” the TV commentator remarked.
The professional game, however, isn’t all glory. In his first months he faced criticism for rookie mistakes, such as losing possession in build-up play. Santos protected him: limited interviews and off-field monitoring to shield him from the pitfalls of early fame. By August he had only sporadic minutes, but his growth was clear. By September he had played 11 matches, including one assist in Série A – a delicious pass that helped Santos draw with Palmeiras.
Unwavering Support: Family, Godfather, and the Weight of the Name
Being Robinho’s son is no easy task. His father was sentenced in 2024 to nine years in prison for a 2013 gang rape case in Italy and has been in semi-open regime since March 2025. Despite everything, the father-son bond remains strong. Robinho Júnior visits monthly, and their conversations revolve around tactics, motivation, and life lessons. “He teaches me to fall and get back up stronger,” the youngster said in a club live stream.
Extra support comes from his godfather, Neymar Júnior. The Al-Hilal superstar and ex-Santos player trains with his godson at the CT, working on free kicks and emotional control. After the Flamengo debut, Neymar went live on Premiere: “Juninho has everything to be huge. He has his dad’s street smarts in the best sense, but a level head that Robinho didn’t always have. I’ll be here to guide him.” The help goes further: Neymar gifted him personalized boots and invites him to video-analysis sessions.
His wider family, including mother Vivian Guglielminetti, who manages his routine with strict discipline, ensures balance. Robinho Júnior stays off excessive social media – his Instagram (@r.junior.07) features only occasional training posts – and continues his studies, dreaming of one day studying physical education.
Recent Performances: Goals, Consistency, and Santos’ Fight
October and November 2025 have been months of consolidation. In Série A he has played 12 matches so far, totaling 275 minutes and one assist. The real shine, however, has come in the U-20s: nine matches in the Brazilian U-20 Championship with three goals, including a spectacular volley against Flamengo.
In November he became vital in Santos’ battle against relegation. On the 3rd against Vitória, he scored his first Série A goal as a starter – a low driven shot after beating two defenders – and coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda praised him: “He has improved a lot. But starting spots are earned through consistency.” Four days later, in the derby against Corinthians, he provided a decisive assist in a 2–1 win that eased pressure on the table. On November 19 at home to Bahia, Robinho Júnior delivered a complete performance: 70% pass accuracy, two successful dribbles, and a clear chance denied only by the opposing keeper.
Those recent highlights, now viral on YouTube, show a much more mature player. His tackles-per-game rate is up 20% since July, and he leads the club’s youngsters in chances created. For a Santos side stuck in mid-table amid financial and technical turmoil, Robinho Júnior is the spark of hope.
European Eyes: Inter, Espanyol, and the International Horizon
It didn’t take long for his talent to cross the Atlantic. In October, Inter Milan scouts watched him against São Paulo, impressed by his counter-attacking speed. The Nerazzurri, always hunting young South Americans, see him as a potential heir to creative wing-backs like Dimarco. Santos, however, are holding firm – the release clause was raised in November to R$644 million as a shield against premature bids.
Days later, on November 12, newly promoted La Liga side Espanyol made a formal inquiry to the player’s representatives. The Catalans, looking for cheap attacking reinforcements, backed off when they heard the €100 million price tag. Interest keeps coming: on November 19, journalist Lucas Musetti revealed on a live stream that three European clubs – including one from the Premier League (unnamed) – are monitoring him closely. “He’s hot property after his late-season surge. Europe in 2026 is the target,” he said.
Robinho Júnior remains humble: “I want to win titles with Santos first. Europe is a dream, but the Vila is home.” His contract until 2027 gives him time to mature, but the transfer rumors are already heating up.
A Legacy in the Making: The Future of Robinho Júnior
Robinho Júnior is not just a name echoing the past; he is the vibrant present of Santos football. Freshly 17, he carries lessons of resilience, natural talent, and a support network few enjoy. In a 2025 of debuts, goals, and overseas interest, the young forward proves that the Peixe DNA still runs strong. If he keeps his head screwed on – as his godfather Neymar promises he will – the world should get ready: Robinho Júnior is poised to fly high, honoring his father and lighting the way for Brazil’s next generation.
While Santos battles to stay in Série A and dreams of continental silverware, names like his renew faith at the Vila Belmiro. Football, after all, is cyclical: what Robinho planted in the 2000s, his son is harvesting today. And what he will plant? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the show is just beginning.
