Robinho was one of the most promising young players in world football when he signed for Real Madrid from Brazilian football giants Santos in July 2005. The 37-year-old attacker was given the number 10 jersey previously won by Luis Figo when he signed for the La Liga club. Madrid paid €24m for Robinhoto secure his transfer and the fee in question represented 60% of the €40m buyout clause in his then Santos contract.

Brazilian international Robinho had a relatively good debut season netting14 goals in 37 games. In his second season at the club (2005/06 campaign), Robinho spent the opening months of the season as a substitute under the managerial reign of Italian tactician Fabio Capello.

His status as a substitute didn’t change even after his exploits in the first El Clasico of the season. The Brazilian was named the player of the match in that El Clasico against arch rivals Barcelona. He ended the season in the starting XI as Real Madrid won La Liga title number 30. At that point, the Selecaoforward had three league titles including the ones he won at boyhood club Santos.

Despite winning the league, Capello was fired by Real Madrid and replaced by German Bernd Schuster ahead of the 2007/08 season. At the end of that season, Robinho scored 11 goals in addition to eight assists. He also netted four times in the Champions League. At the end of that season, Real Madrid held off Barcelona to win a second successive league title. At that stage, Robinho had four league titles.

While he was at Real Madrid, Robinho was the third highest goalscorer behind strikers Raul Gonzalez and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. He was also the second highest assist provider behind Guti. The Brazilian also finished in the top ten of both the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon d’Or Awards alongside with goalkeeperIker Casillas.