A Spanish court has delivered a verdict against former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves, finding him guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub. Alves, aged 40 and renowned as one of the most decorated footballers in history, has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison. The conviction comes despite his denial of sexually assaulting the woman in the early hours of December 31, 2022.
Legal proceedings and verdict
Alves’s lawyer had vehemently sought his acquittal and declared intentions to appeal against the verdict. However, the court ruled in favor of the victim, affirming the truth in her testimony and acknowledging the suffering she endured. In addition to the prison sentence, Alves has been ordered to serve five years’ probation. The prosecution had initially sought a nine-year prison term, aligning with Spain’s legal framework, where claims of rape are investigated under the general accusation of sexual assault, potentially leading to sentences ranging from four to 15 years.
Factors considered in sentencing
The court weighed several factors in determining Alves’s sentence, including his decision to compensate the victim with €150,000 in damages, regardless of the trial’s outcome. Despite his defense’s argument that Alves should receive a more lenient sentence due to intoxication, the court dismissed this claim, asserting that his alcohol consumption did not excuse his behavior. Moreover, the court highlighted evidence beyond the victim’s testimony, affirming the validity of her claims and reinforcing the importance of consent under Spain’s legal principles.
Alves’s testimony and legal ramifications
Throughout the legal proceedings, Alves’s testimony evolved, initially denying knowledge of the accuser before later asserting consensual interaction. Despite his extensive football career, including stints with Barcelona, Sevilla, Juventus, and PSG, as well as numerous international appearances for Brazil, Alves’s legacy now faces tarnish as he confronts the consequences of his actions. Held in pre-trial detention since January 2023, Alves must navigate the legal aftermath, potentially impacting his standing in the football world and beyond.
