Former Soccer Star Dani Alves Sentenced To 4 1/2 Years In Prison For Rape Conviction

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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 former Barcelona star was convicted of the December ’22 crime.

The Incident

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 rape took place.

The Verdict

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.” In addition to the prison term, Alves has been ordered to pay a fine of nearly $163,000 to the victim.

Reactions and Response

Prosecutors had sought a nine-year prison term for Alves, while the victim had hoped for a longer sentence. Despite the verdict, the victim’s lawyer, David Saenz, expressed satisfaction that the court acknowledged “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 changed his story multiple times. After biological evidence was presented, Alves admitted to having had sexual relations with the woman, asserting that it was consensual and citing his marital status as the reason for initially lying. Alves’ lawyer, Ines Guardiola, has announced plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining Alves’ innocence.

Alves’ Career

Prior to the legal proceedings, Alves was widely regarded as one of the premier defensive players in the sport. Over his 20-year career, he played for esteemed clubs such as Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris-Saint Germain, and achieved numerous accolades, including an Olympic gold medal and two Copa America titles with Brazil.