Former Brazilian soccer sensation Dani Alves has been handed a four and a half-year prison sentence after being found guilty of raping a woman at a nightclub in 2022. The decision was made by Spain’s top court in Catalonia following a three-day trial earlier this month, where the 40-year-old ex-Barcelona star was convicted of the December ’22 assault.
Key Takeaway
Former soccer star Dani Alves has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman at a nightclub in 2022. The court’s decision was based on the victim’s testimony and additional evidence, and Alves has been ordered to pay a substantial fine to the victim. Despite the sentence, Alves and his legal team maintain his innocence and plan to appeal the verdict.
The Trial and Verdict
The victim testified during the trial that after dancing with Alves at a New Year’s Eve party, they went to the bathroom, but she later expressed her desire to leave. It was at this point that she alleged the assault took place. The court stated, “the sentence considers that it has been proven that the victim did not consent and that there is evidence, in addition to the testimony of the plaintiff, to consider the rape proven.” Additionally, Alves has been ordered to pay a near-$163k fine to the victim.
Reactions and Response
Prosecutors had sought a nine-year prison term for Alves, while the victim had hoped for a harsher sentence. Despite the outcome, the victim’s lawyer, David Saenz, expressed satisfaction that the court recognized “that the victim was telling the truth and that she suffered.”
Alves initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming he did not know the woman, but later altered his account multiple times. Following the presentation of biological evidence, Alves admitted to having had sexual relations with the woman, asserting that it was consensual and citing his marital status as the reason for his initial denial. Alves’ lawyer, Ines Guardiola, has announced plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining Alves’ innocence.
Alves’ Career and Achievements
Prior to his legal troubles, Alves was widely regarded as one of the premier defensive players in the sport. Over his 20-year career, he had stints with prominent clubs such as Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris-Saint Germain. He has secured numerous prestigious titles, including an Olympic gold medal and two Copa Americas for Brazil.
