In a groundbreaking case that has attracted worldwide attention, former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub. He has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison by a Spanish court.
The incident occurred in the early hours of December 31, 2022, marking a significant downfall for the 40-year-old, who is renowned as one of the most decorated footballers in history.
Alves vehemently denied the allegations of sexual assault, with his defense seeking an acquittal. However, the court’s decision was based on presented evidence, including testimony beyond the victim’s account, supporting the claim of non-consensual sexual contact.
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The court concluded that the victim did not give consent to the encounter, refuting Alves’s defense argument that she could have left the nightclub’s VIP section toilet “if she wanted to.”
Throughout the trial, Alves’s recounting of events changed significantly. Initially, he claimed no interaction with the accuser, later admitting to meeting her in the toilet but asserting that nothing occurred between them. Eventually, Alves changed his narrative once more, asserting that they engaged in consensual sex, a claim contradicted by the court’s findings.
In addition to the prison sentence, the court mandated Alves to compensate the victim with €150,000 (£128,500), recognizing the trauma and suffering she endured.
Since January 2023, Alves has been in pre-trial detention, and during the trial, the inconsistencies in his testimony became a central focus. Despite his assertions, the evidence led to his conviction, emphasizing the gravity with which the judicial system treats such allegations.
The verdict allows for an appeal, granting Alves an opportunity to challenge the sentence.