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Alves, who was found guilty in February 2024 of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022, was initially sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison.Â
Dani Alves walking out of court (AFP)
The top court in Spain’s Catalonia, on Friday, has overturned the conviction of former Brazil, Barcelona defender Dani Alves for sexual assault on appeal.
Alves, who was found guilty in February 2024 of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022, was initially sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison.
But, the Brazilian footballer was released in March 2024 while waiting for his appeal to be heard.
Now, the top court in Catalonia has overturned the original ruling presented due to “inconsistencies and contradictions”.
During the initial trial, the victim, who testified behind a screen to protect her identity, said Alves had violently forced her to have sex despite begging him to let her go, causing her “anguish and terror”, according to prosecutors present for her declaration.
Alves’ lawyers had argued the victim had been “glued” to the player while dancing at the nightclub, saying there was “sexual tension” between them.
But in its 61-page decision after the initial trial, the court said that did not mean “that she consented to anything that might have subsequently happened”, ultimately sentencing Alves to jail.
The 41-year-old, who won the Champions League three times with Barcelona, was released on bail in March 2024 while his appeal was heard.
Now, he walks free.
(with agency inputs)