In a stunning reversal, a Spanish appeals court has overturned the rape conviction of Brazilian football legend Dani Alves, citing a lack of sufficient evidence. The former Barcelona right-back, now 41 years old, had previously been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for the alleged rape of a woman at a nightclub in Barcelona on New Year’s Eve 2022.
Now, after nearly two years of legal battles, media scrutiny, and personal turmoil, Alves walks free, and the conviction has been annulled by a panel of four judges, who unanimously agreed there were too many gaps, contradictions, and inconsistencies in the case.
A Trial Riddled With Doubt
The court didn’t mince words in its ruling. It described the case as being filled with “inaccuracies,” “contradictions,” and a noticeable lack of solid proof. One of the major reasons for the appeal’s success was the finding that Alves’ accuser was an “unreliable complainant,” with testimony that did not align with CCTV footage or other presented evidence.
The alleged incident occurred in the VIP bathroom of the Sutton nightclub in Barcelona. The woman claimed Alves forced her to have sex without consent, causing her to feel “anguish and terror.” Alves, however, insisted the encounter was entirely consensual, saying, “I am not that type of man. I am not violent.”
Although he initially denied knowing the woman, Alves changed his story once CCTV footage emerged showing the two entering the bathroom together. He later admitted to lying out of fear his wife would leave him.
What Happens Next?
The case could still be escalated to Spain’s Supreme Court, but for now, Alves is no longer under any restrictions. The court has lifted his travel ban, restraining order, and dropped a €150,000 compensation claim against him.
His lawyer, Inés Guardiola, told RAC1 radio, “We are very happy. He is innocent, that is demonstrated. Justice has spoken.” On the other hand, the accuser’s lawyer, Ester Garcia, said the ruling felt like a “return to the bathroom” for her client, reigniting trauma. The emotional toll, Garcia says, may affect whether her client wishes to continue pursuing the case further.
The Broader Impact
The case has sparked a fierce debate in Spain about how rape allegations are handled, with Equality Minister Ana Redondo expressing concern over how women’s testimonies are scrutinized. “We can’t constantly question women’s word,” she stated, urging the judicial system to reflect.
Spain has taken aggressive steps in recent years to address sexual violence, including a 2022 legal reform that defined all non-consensual sex as rape a direct response to the controversial “La Manada” (wolf pack) gang rape case in Pamplona.
Alves’ Legacy: One of Football’s Most Decorated Players
Off the field, this scandal will likely always be part of Dani Alves’ story, but there’s no denying the historic career he built over two decades in football. Known for his energy, flair, and attacking prowess as a full-back, Alves was a pillar of Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona dynasty, winning the Champions League three times and La Liga six times.
He also lifted trophies with Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and the Brazilian national team, earning 126 caps and winning two Copa America titles along the way.
At the time of his 2023 arrest, he was playing for Mexican club Pumas UNAM, who swiftly terminated his contract after the charges surfaced.
Dani Alves’ Net Worth
Despite legal expenses and contract losses, Alves remains financially secure. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $60 million. This includes decades of top-tier football contracts, endorsements, and investments. That said, the toll of this case emotionally and reputationally has been heavy.
