Former Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves has been acquitted of a rape conviction after the Catalonia High Court of Justice overturned the original ruling on appeal.
The court unanimously found “inconsistencies and contradictions” in the case against the 41-year-old, leading to his exoneration.
Alves was initially sentenced to four and a half years in prison in February 2024 after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in 2022. He was released on bail in March 2024 while awaiting the appeal.
The appeal court highlighted gaps in the original ruling, stating that the complainant’s testimony lacked scrutiny and was not adequately compared with fingerprint and biological evidence that supported Alves’ defense.
The court also questioned the complainant’s claim that she entered the bathroom out of fear, concluding instead that she went voluntarily.
Following the ruling, all restrictions on Alves, including a travel ban and restraining order, were lifted. However, the decision remains subject to appeal at the Supreme Court.
Alves’ lawyer, Ines Guardiola, expressed relief, stating, “Alves is very happy. He is innocent, and that has been demonstrated. Justice has spoken.”
Alves, who enjoyed a decorated football career with clubs like Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain, was playing for Pumas UNAM when he was arrested. The Mexican club terminated his contract immediately following the allegations.
