Former Barcelona player Dani Alves won his appeal against a sexual assault conviction as a Spanish court overturned the ruling on Friday, March 28.
Alves was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in February 2024. The incident took place in a nightclub in December 2022 and the former Brazilian defender was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
Alves denied any wrongdoing during the three-day trial. The former Barcelona defender was released from prison in March 2024 while waiting for his appeal to be heard by a higher court. The court on Friday announced that there was insufficient evidence to rule out Alves’ presumption of innocence.
Speaking after the verdict, Alves’ lawyer said that they were happy with the ruling and justice was served in the end. Guardiola said that it was a very emotional moment for them, and she expected the result as Alves was innocent.
“We are happy, he is innocent, justice has acted,” said Irene Guardiola, Alves’ lawyer. “It has been very emotional, justice has been done.” “We expected this; it’s fair,” she added. “Alves is innocent; it’s just been proven, and justice has finally been done. I’m thrilled. I believed it, and we’re very happy.”
Alves had a storied career at club and international level, having won multiple titles during his time with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. The defender also helped Brazil win two Copa America titles and an Olympic gold medal. Alves played his third World Cup during the 2022 edition.
Alves was playing for Mexican club Pumas when he was arrested and the club decided to cancel his contract immediately. The Alves case was the first high-profile case since Spain overhauled its legislation in 2022 to make consent, or the lack of it, one of the key factors in defining a sex crime.
The new ruling can be appealed while Alves is now free to leave Spain after the travel ban on the former defender was lifted.