Dani Alves: The legal twists and turns in ex-Barcelona star’s trial

• A Spanish appeals court has overturned Dani Alves’ rape conviction, citing “shortcomings” and “inaccuracies” in the trial
• Alves, who initially denied knowing the accuser, later admitted to a sexual encounter after CCTV footage emerged
• With his conviction annulled, all precautionary measures, including a €150,000 compensation order, have been dropped

In a surprising turn of events, a Spanish appeals court has overturned the rape conviction of former Brazilian football star Dani Alves, citing “shortcomings” and “inaccuracies” in his trial. 

The 41-year-old, who was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison in February 2024, had been found guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman at a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022.

Notably, the appeals court has ruled unanimously in favour of Alves, arguing that his conviction contained multiple inconsistencies. 

The judges also rejected an appeal by prosecutors seeking a harsher sentence of nine years in prison. As a result, all precautionary measures, including a five-year probation and €150,000 compensation payment to the accuser, were also annulled.

Alves, a three-time Champions League winner with Barcelona, was initially imprisoned before being granted bail in March last year after paying €1 million. His trial had been marred by conflicting testimonies. 

The woman, who testified behind a screen to protect her identity, claimed Alves had violently forced her into non-consensual sex, leaving her terrified. However, Alves insisted their encounter was consensual and denied any physical aggression.

His legal team pointed out inconsistencies in the accusations, arguing that the woman had willingly engaged with the player before the incident. 

Alves initially denied knowing his accuser in a television interview but later admitted to a sexual encounter after CCTV footage revealed them entering the nightclub’s lavatory together. He later explained that he had lied out of fear that his wife would leave him.

Despite his legal troubles, Alves’ football legacy remains significant. He was a key figure in Barcelona’s golden era, winning six La Liga titles, two Copa América trophies with Brazil, and domestic league championships with Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

At the time of his arrest, Alves was playing for Mexican club Pumas UNAM, which swiftly terminated his contract. His case also caught political attention, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticising his release on bail, stating that money “cannot undo the crime that a man commits by raping a woman.”

With his conviction overturned, Alves now walks free, but the controversy surrounding his case is far from over.

Barcelona rejects 90 million bid for Raphinha from top Premier League club

Previously, TheRadar reported that Spanish giants Barcelona has reportedly turned down a €90 million bid from Arsenal for Brazilian winger Raphinha. The Catalan club, adamant about their valuation, made it clear that only a nine-figure sum would tempt them into parting ways with the 27-year-old star.

With 12 goals and 10 assists in just 17 appearances, his impressive form has made him indispensable to Barcelona’s plans.