Dani Alves (41) has been acquitted of rape on appeal. The former Brazilian international had previously been found guilty and was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
Dani Alves, the 41-year-old former Brazilian international footballer, has officially been acquitted of rape charges by the High Court of Justice of Catalonia.
The verdict marks a dramatic turn in a high-profile case that began at the end of 2022 and has since captured widespread media attention across both the football world and the broader public.
The case centered around an alleged incident that took place on the night of December 31, 2022, in a nightclub in Barcelona. According to the accusation, Alves was said to have raped a young woman in the VIP area of the club. The alleged victim came forward shortly after the incident, leading to a criminal investigation that quickly escalated. Alves was arrested in early January 2023 and held in pre-trial detention, a move that shocked many given his global profile and status as one of the most decorated right-backs in football history.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Dani Alves consistently denied all accusations, claiming that the encounter was consensual. His legal team argued that the case was built on a shaky foundation, citing inconsistencies in the complainant's testimony and other procedural concerns. Despite his denials, a lower court in Barcelona found him guilty in early 2024, sentencing him to four and a half years in prison. The conviction was a stunning moment for fans and followers of the sport, particularly in Brazil and Spain, where Alves enjoyed a celebrated career.
However, just a month after his sentencing, the court granted Alves conditional release while his legal team pursued an appeal. His release from prison did not mean an acquittal at the time, but it allowed him to await the next phase of legal proceedings outside of custody. This sparked a renewed public debate about the handling of high-profile sexual assault cases, the balance between due process and victim advocacy, and the role of media coverage in shaping public opinion.
Now, after months of legal review, the High Court has ruled that there is not enough credible evidence to uphold the initial conviction. In its judgment, the court emphasized that the complainant's account of events contained several inconsistencies and contradictions. Crucially, her version of the incident did not align with CCTV footage from the club, which reportedly showed behavior that the court deemed incompatible with the allegations of non-consensual conduct. The ruling stated that while the woman's testimony was heard and respected, the standard for a criminal conviction proof beyond a reasonable doubt had not been met.
This acquittal effectively closes the criminal case against Dani Alves, although the social and personal consequences for the former footballer are likely to linger. At the time of his arrest, Alves was playing for Mexican club UNAM Pumas, who terminated his contract almost immediately following the charges. The arrest and trial brought his playing career to a sudden halt, effectively ending the journey of one of football’s most celebrated right-backs. Known for his dynamic style, tireless energy, and tactical intelligence, Alves was a key figure in the golden era of FC Barcelona under Pep Guardiola, winning numerous La Liga titles, Champions League trophies, and domestic cups.
Over his long and decorated career, Dani Alves played for top clubs including Sevilla, Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as the Brazilian national team, where he earned 126 caps and won multiple international trophies, including two Copa América titles and an Olympic gold medal.
Despite the legal vindication, the case has already left a lasting impact on Alves’s reputation and legacy. Reactions to the acquittal have been mixed, with some defending the court's conclusion and others expressing concern over the broader implications for survivors of sexual assault. For Alves, the verdict brings legal closure, but whether he can fully recover his public standing or re-engage with the football world in another capacity remains uncertain.
