In summary

• Dani Alves sentenced to four years, six months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman.
• He was with Mexican club Pumas when he was arrested. Pumas terminated his contract immediately.
• The Alves case was the first high-profile sex crime since Spain overhauled its legislation in 2022

Dani Alves sentenced to four years, six months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in a Barcelona nightclub;

A statement from the Audiencia de Barcelona on Thursday read: “The Court of Barcelona has condemned footballer Dani Alves to four years and six months in prison for sexual assault.

The Alves case was the first high-profile sex crime since Spain overhauled its legislation in 2022 to make consent, or the lack thereof, central to defining a sex crime in response to an upswell of protests after a gang-rape case during the San Fermin bull-running festival in Pamplona in 2016.

He was with Mexican club Pumas when he was arrested. Pumas terminated his contract immediately.

“The victim must also receive 150,000 euros and have their legal costs paid.

“The sentence takes into consideration that it has been proven the victim did not consent and that there is evidence in addition to their testimony that proves the offence.”

Alves’ requests for bail were denied because the court considered him a flight risk. Brazil does not extradite its own citizens when they are sentenced in other countries.

Alves Accolades

Alves won dozens of titles with elite clubs including Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.

He also helped Brazil win two Copa Americas and an Olympic gold medal at age 38. He played at his third World Cup, the only major title he has not won, in 2022.