Former Barcelona footballer Dani Alves has been convicted of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona and has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
The court's decision comes after Alves denied the accusations of sexually assaulting the woman in the early hours of December 31, 2022.
Alves, 40, who is regarded as one of the most decorated footballers in history, had vehemently denied the allegations against him. Despite his lawyer's plea for acquittal and intention to appeal the verdict, the court ruled against him.
The victim's lawyer expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating that it validates the truth as narrated by the victim and acknowledges the suffering she endured.
In addition to the prison sentence, Alves has been ordered to undergo five years of probation. While the prosecution sought a nine-year prison term, the court considered various factors, including Alves's decision to pay the victim €150,000 in damages regardless of the trial's outcome.
Despite claims that Alves was intoxicated at the time of the incident, the court dismissed this argument, asserting that his alcohol consumption did not excuse his behaviour.
Prosecutors outlined that Alves and his friend had purchased champagne for three young women before Alves allegedly coerced one of them into a VIP area of the nightclub under false pretences. It was there, the prosecution argued, that Alves became violent and forced the woman into non-consensual sex, despite her repeated objections.
The court highlighted evidence beyond the victim's testimony, supporting the assertion of rape. It described how Alves forcefully restrained the woman, preventing her from leaving despite her protests.
The victim, traumatized by the ordeal, described her anguish and terror, while a friend recounted her uncontrollable tears after the incident.
Alves, who has been in pre-trial detention since January 2023, has provided conflicting testimonies throughout the proceedings, initially denying any acquaintance with the accuser before later admitting to meeting her in the restroom.
Having played for Barcelona over 400 times and boasting an illustrious career spanning Sevilla, Juventus, and PSG, Alves's fall from grace is a stark contrast to his on-field successes. With 126 appearances for Brazil, his tarnished legacy stands in stark contrast to his accomplishments on the football pitch.
Follow us
