Spanish Court Overturns Conviction Against Dani Alves
A Spanish court overturns conviction, acquitting former football star Dani Alves of sexual assault. This landmark decision reverses an earlier ruling from February 2024. Furthermore, the court cited “insufficient evidence” in its ruling. Alves, a former Barcelona defender, was previously found guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022. During his three-day trial, Alves consistently denied any wrongdoing.
However, the Barcelona-based appeals court unanimously overturned the conviction. In their ruling, the judges wrote that the plaintiff’s testimony “differed notably” from video evidence. This footage, taken before the woman and Alves entered the toilet, contradicted her claims. The legal case was the first high-profile trial under Spain’s new 2022 law, which defines consent as an explicit expression of will. Meanwhile, prosecutors sought a nine-year sentence for Alves, while the victim’s lawyer requested 12 years.
A major blow to the prosecution, the court’s decision can still be appealed to the Spanish Supreme Court in Madrid. Nevertheless, Alves’s lawyer, Ines Guardiola, told RAC1 radio, “Alves is very happy. He is innocent, that is demonstrated. Justice has spoken.” After his initial conviction, Alves served 14 months in Brians 2 prison. He was released on bail in March 2024 after paying $1.2 million while awaiting the outcome of his appeal.
Indeed, Alves handed over his passports to authorities as a flight risk. Pumas UNAM, his club at the time, terminated his contract immediately following his arrest. Moreover, his sponsors, including Puma, cut ties, costing him millions. His marriage to Joana Sanz also ended in a 2024 divorce. At present, the accuser remains anonymous. Furthermore, she faces no charges for an unproven claim. Ultimately, Alves, now 41, walked free after 839 days behind bars. He now seeks to rebuild his life after the Spanish court overturns conviction.
A highly successful player, Alves won dozens of titles with clubs like Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain. He also helped Brazil win two Copa Americas and an Olympic gold medal.
Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC, and Cata Paul
