Dani Alves Cleared Of Rape Conviction After Appeal
Sports Updated: 24 September 2025 16:38 EAT
Dani Alves
Former Brazil and Barcelona defender Dani Alves has been acquitted of rape after the Catalan High Court overturned his previous conviction. Alves, who was sentenced in February 2024 to four years and six months in prison, had already served 14 months before being released on bail in March 2024.
The appeal court ruled that there was insufficient evidence to sustain the conviction, citing inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimony of the complainant and in the original judgment. As a result, the sentence and restrictions, including a restraining order and travel ban, were lifted immediately.
Alves, 42, had been accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022. The case gained global attention, leading to his dismissal from Mexican club Pumas UNAM, the loss of sponsorships, and significant damage to his reputation.
While the acquittal is a major legal victory for Alves, the case is not yet completely closed. Spanish prosecutors have already confirmed plans to appeal the High Court’s decision to the Supreme Court, which could reopen proceedings.
The complainant’s identity has remained protected throughout the case, as is standard in sexual assault trials in Spain. For Alves, however, the long legal battle has left personal and financial scars, even as he now walks free of the charges.
Tags: Barcelona Fc Signsmedia Signstvkenya Brazil Editor's Pick Epl La Liga
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD