Ex-Barcelona star Dani Alves' rape conviction overturns by Spanish court
Dani Alves' rape conviction was overturned by a Spanish court on Friday after an appeal in Catalonia, citing insufficient evidence and inconsistencies in the case.
Dani Alves, the former Barcelona and Brazil soccer star, has had his rape conviction overturned by a Spanish court in Catalonia. The court’s decision on Friday came after Alves appealed his conviction from a nightclub incident more than two years ago, citing significant flaws in the evidence presented during his trial.
Alves, 41, had been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in a nightclub’s bathroom. However, the court ruled that the evidence was insufficient to meet the legal standard required for a conviction, leading to his release.
Dani Alves was released from prison by Spanish court
Former Barcelona player and Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves had his rape conviction overturned on appeal by a court in Catalonia, Spain, on Friday. The decision marks a significant development in the case that stemmed from an alleged incident in a nightclub on New Year's Eve over two years ago.
The Catalonian court ruled that the evidence presented was insufficient to meet the necessary standard for the presumption of innocence. It highlighted "gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions" in the facts, legal assessment, and its implications.
Alves, 41, had been convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in the bathroom of a Barcelona nightclub and was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison. However, the court concluded that the alleged victim had voluntarily entered the bathroom area to be with Alves in a more private setting.
Alves was released from prison in March 2024 on bail of 1 million Euros (approximately $1 million) while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. He had been imprisoned since January 2023. Friday’s ruling lifted travel restrictions and a restraining order placed on Alves regarding the alleged victim. The case can still be appealed to Spain's Supreme Court.
Alves is one of the most decorated fullbacks in international soccer, with a distinguished career at Barcelona, where he won five La Liga titles, two UEFA Champions League titles, and three Supercopa de España titles. He also secured two World Cup titles with Brazil.
Alves last played professionally with Pumas UNAM in Mexico's Liga MX during the 2022-23 season, but his contract was terminated following his arrest in Spain over two years ago.