Dani Alves, renowned for his illustrious career in football with Barcelona and Brazil, has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at a Barcelona nightclub by a Spanish court.
The court sentenced the 40-year-old athlete to four and a half years behind bars, marking a significant downfall for one of the sport’s most celebrated players.
Alves, who denied the accusations, faced trial for allegedly assaulting the woman in the early hours of December 31, 2022. Despite his lawyer’s efforts to secure an acquittal and plans to appeal the verdict, the court upheld the conviction, signaling a serious blow to the football star’s reputation.
The victim’s lawyer expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, emphasizing that it validates the victim’s truth and acknowledges her suffering. In addition to the prison term, Alves was also ordered to serve five years of probation. The prosecution had initially sought a longer nine-year sentence, highlighting the severity of the offense.
According to prosecutors, Alves and a companion reportedly bought champagne for three young women at the nightclub. Alves allegedly lured one of the women to a VIP area under false pretenses before assaulting her, despite her protests.
The court found compelling evidence supporting the victim’s account, concluding that Alves had forcefully assaulted her and prevented her from leaving.
Throughout the trial, Alves provided conflicting statements, initially denying knowledge of the accuser, then admitting to meeting her in the bathroom but claiming consensual sex. The court, however, rejected Alves’s shifting narratives and emphasized that intoxication did not absolve him of responsibility for his actions.
The verdict marks a dramatic turn for Alves, who enjoyed a stellar career spanning over 400 appearances for Barcelona, securing multiple league titles and Champions League triumphs.
He also represented Brazil with distinction on the international stage, amassing 126 caps. However, this legal ordeal has tarnished his legacy and left a stain on his once-glowing reputation in the world of football.
