Dani Alves, who was this morning sentenced to four and a half years in prison in Spain after being found guilty of sexual assault, was, until very recently, one of global football’s golden boys.
An exuberant, technical right-back, he was a major part of the Barcelona team that set new standards in the European game between 2008 and 2016. He played 126 times for Brazil and won 43 titles across his 22-year playing career — an astonishing number that makes him the second-most decorated footballer in history. Only Lionel Messi, his former team-mate at the Camp Nou, has more trophies to his name.
That success, coupled with a relentlessly upbeat public persona, made Alves a hugely — almost universally — popular figure. It goes some way to explaining why his hearing, which took place over three days in a Barcelona courtroom earlier this month, was labelled “the trial of the year” in certain sections of the Spanish press. Despite its voyeuristic undertones, that epithet did capture just how spectacular Alves’ fall from grace has been.
On December 9, 2022, Alves — 39 at the time — was on the bench as Brazil played Croatia at the World Cup in Qatar. Exactly six weeks later, he was arrested by Catalan police, accused of raping a 23-year-old woman in a private bathroom at a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.
Those accusations have now been upheld by Catalonia’s High Court of Justice. “The court has no doubt that the vaginal penetration of the complainant took place using violence,” read a statement released by the court after this morning’s hearing.
Alves has spent the last 13 months in a detention facility some 25km northwest of Barcelona; requests for provisional release were denied because he was considered a flight risk and there is no extradition arrangement between Brazil and Spain. After his prison sentence he will be on supervised probation for five additional years. He was also ordered to pay the victim €150,000 (£128,500; $162,700) in compensation, plus legal costs.
Alves began his senior career at Bahia, one of the biggest clubs in Brazil’s north east. He moved to Spain at 19, joining Sevilla — initially on loan and then on a permanent deal after winning the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship with Brazil’s under-20 side.
At the start, some questioned whether Alves had the physical strength to compete in La Liga. His interpretation of his position, though, made the doubters reconsider. Alves was technically a defender but defending was not his speciality. He was a free spirit, a de facto winger in the mould of his boyhood idol, Cafu.
Sevilla quickly worked out that they had to harness that energy rather than curb it. Alves was encouraged to get forward, to make use of his speed and skill in the final third. He helped the Andalusians to their first European trophy in 2006, setting up the opening goal in the UEFA Cup final against Middlesborough, and was similarly influential as they retained that title in 2007. A year later, he became a Barcelona player.
His initial eight-season spell at the Camp Nou — he later made a short, largely forgettable return during the 2021-22 season — turned Alves into a superstar. He won six Spanish league titles, three Champions Leagues and 14 other trophies during that time, rarely missing a match. You would struggle to name another full-back who came anywhere near matching his influence and consistency over the same period.
It helped that his arrival at Barcelona coincided with that of Pep Guardiola. The Catalan’s possession-centric approach suited Alves perfectly and revealed fresh nuances in his game. His combination play with Messi in particular was one of the trademark features of what many consider the best club side of the modern era.
Even after leaving Barcelona in 2016, Alves remained a prominent figure. He reached another Champions League final with Juventus at the age of 34 — “an extra-terrestrial,” Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci called him — and won two French titles with Paris Saint-Germain. When he returned to Brazilian club football in 2019, signing for Sao Paulo FC, 45,000 fans turned up at the Morumbi stadium to welcome him.
That he never quite replicated his success at club level with his national team was probably to be expected. Alves played for Brazil during an extended period of flux and, bizarrely, only became a regular starter during the latter stages of his career. He would have captained the Selecao at the 2018 World Cup, only to be ruled out of the tournament due to injury. He did wear the armband the following summer, however, leading Brazil to a Copa America win on home soil.
Alves’ attitude — chirpy, cheeky, apparently carefree — arguably won him even more admirers than his ability. A little personality can go a long way in a sport as overwhelmingly self-serious as football, and the Brazilian always seemed determined to take his onto the pitch with him rather than leave it in the changing room.
Over time, Alves leaned into this persona, becoming a full-time cultivator of his own image. He dabbled in modelling, released a single and embraced social media. He seemed to a have tambourine or drum in his hand whenever he stepped off the Brazil team bus. He turned his description of his own character (“good crazy”) into a catchphrase. Whenever he signed an autograph, he drew a smiley face inside the capital D.
It has become a rite of passage for footballers to publish long first-person pieces on the Players’ Tribune website. Alves has contributed two of them: one about his modest upbringing and another reflecting upon the pain of missing out on the 2018 World Cup. “Dani Alves is not going to the World Cup,” read one emblematic line, “but he is still one happy motherf*cker.”
Later, when he moved to Sao Paulo, the same website produced a seven-part documentary about Alves’ life. In one episode he talks at length about his iconoclastic fashion sense, mugging at the camera in a series of designer jackets. In another, he discusses his relationship with music. Episode three is about Alves reconnecting with his two children from his first marriage. Its title is The Family Man.
That strand of Alves’ reputation now lies in tatters along with all the others.
Earlier in February, the High Court of Justice of Catalonia heard testimony relating to Alves’ “slimy attitude” from the victim’s friend, who had been present at the Sutton nightclub on the evening of the incident. While the victim’s statement was delivered in private, her testimony — previously reported by The Athletic based on evidence from earlier hearings — gave a detailed account of Alves holding her against her will in a toilet cubicle and penetrating her without her consent.
This morning, the court upheld that version of events, concluding that Alves had “abruptly grabbed the the complainant, threw her to the floor and, preventing her from moving, penetrated her vaginally, despite the fact that the complainant said no, that she wanted to leave”.
In a statement, the court said that “injuries to the victim (made) it more than evident that there was violence to force the victim to have sexual relations”, and that “the accused subdued the will of the victim with the use of violence”.
The defence lawyers plan to appeal the decision.
The emphatic nature of the verdict, however, means that it will be hard to look at Alves in the same way ever again.
Dani Alves’ Early Career and Rise to Stardom
Alves was born in Juazeiro, a small city in the northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia, in 1983. He grew up in humble circumstances as the son of a farmer and one of seven siblings. From a young age, Alves showed tremendous talent with a soccer ball at his feet.
He joined the youth academy of local club Esporte Clube Bahia in 1998 at the age of 15. Alves progressed quickly through the ranks and made his professional debut in 2001 at age 18. He immediately impressed with his energetic runs up and down the right flank, technical ability, and feisty competitiveness.
After just two seasons with Bahia, Alves earned a transfer to Spanish club Sevilla in 2002. The move to Europe allowed the Brazilian to develop his game against elite competition. Alves adapted seamlessly to La Liga with his pace, passing skills, and attacking flair from right back.
Over six seasons with Sevilla, Alves was instrumental in the club’s rise to become one of Spain’s top teams. He helped lead Sevilla to back-to-back UEFA Cup titles in 2006 and 2007, providing crucial assists in both finals. Alves earned plaudits as one of the top fullbacks in Europe for his marauding runs forward and combination play.
By 2008, Dani Alves was ready for the next challenge in his career. His stellar performances for Sevilla attracted interest from elite clubs across Europe. After a transfer saga, Barcelona won the race for his signature as Alves joined the Catalan giants in a big money move worth up to €40 million.
Peak Years at Barcelona
Moving to Barcelona in 2008 marked the start of Dani Alves’ peak as a player. He was joining a Barca team brimming with world-class talents like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, and Carles Puyol. Alves fit seamlessly into Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka system at Camp Nou.
As Barcelona dominated Spanish and European football between 2008-2012, Alves was a key figure. He reinvented the right back position as a de facto winger, using his speed, stamina, and technical ability to overwhelm opponents. Alves formed a superb partnership with Messi, providing width and crosses as the Argentine drifted inside to devastating effect.
In total, Alves made 247 appearances over eight seasons with Barcelona, winning a staggering 14 trophies. This included triumphs in La Liga 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, and Champions League in 2009 and 2011. Alves set a new standard for attacking fullbacks with his assists, dribbling, link-up play, and runs forward from deep.
By 2015, a 32-year-old Alves was still starring for Barcelona. But with the emergence of Aleix Vidal as a successor, Alves decided to leave Camp Nou after his contract expired. He departed as a club legend with 23 titles won – second only to Messi in Barcelona history. Alves left an indelible mark on one of football’s all-time great teams.
Continued Success with Juventus and PSG
Even after leaving Barcelona, Dani Alves showed he could still perform at an elite level into his 30s. He signed with Italian giants Juventus in 2016 on a free transfer and immediately won a domestic double in his first season in Turin.
Alves provided creativity, leadership, and winning pedigree to a rugged Juventus squad. He formed a superb tandem with Juan Cuadrado on the right flank, leading Juventus to another Serie A title in 2017. Alves was still capable of the spectacular, scoring sensational goals from distance against Monaco and Porto that season.
In the 2017 Champions League final, a 34-year-old Alves rolled back the years with a dominant performance against former club Barcelona. Although Juventus ultimately lost 3-1, Alves earned rave reviews from the Italian press. He more than held his own against Messi and Barcelona’s dazzling attack.
Later in 2017, Alves moved again – this time on a free transfer to ambitious French superclub Paris Saint-Germain. He won a domestic treble in his first season at the Parc des Princes and again in 2018. Alves provided veteran leadership along with trademark runs up the right wing.
In total, Alves won six league titles across Spain, Italy and France along with two Coppa Italia crowns. As the only player to win three Champions League titles with three different clubs, he solidified his status as one of football’s greatest modern fullbacks.
International Career with Brazil
Ever since making his debut in 2006, Dani Alves was a fixture in the Brazilian national team setup. He went on to earn 118 caps for Brazil – the eighth-most in Selecao history. Alves featured in two World Cups, four Copa Americas, and captained Brazil to continental glory in 2019.
Early in his international career, Alves played second fiddle to legendary right back Maicon. This limited his minutes at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and 2011 Copa America win. But after Maicon’s decline post-2012, Alves became Brazil’s undisputed first-choice right back when healthy.
His marauding runs and linkage with Neymar made Alves a key cog in Brazil’s attacking system. He helped lead them to the semifinals of the 2014 World Cup on home soil. Alves also scored a stunning free kick in the 2015 Copa America semifinal against Paraguay.
Injuries prevented Alves from playing at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. But he returned to captain Brazil to the 2019 Copa America title as hosts. Alves proved himself as a leader, organizing Brazil’s defense while providing width in attack.
While he never won a World Cup, Alves enjoyed a long run as one of the Selecao’s most important players. He trails only Roberto Carlos, Cafu, and Marcelo in games played for Brazil at right back. Alves consistently delivered quality for his country when called upon.
Playing Style and Legacy
At his peak, Dani Alves redefined what was possible for fullbacks to contribute in attack. He had the technical mastery to play as a winger, with close control, passing vision, crossing accuracy, and shooting ability. Married with his elite speed and stamina, Alves spent more time in the opposition half than his own.
His duties in defense were focused on his recovery pace and one-on-one defending rather than positional play. Alves had the green light to go forward early, functioning more as a wingback than fullback in systems like Barcelona’s. This allowed him to link play brilliantly with Messi and other attackers.
Beyond his technical and physical gifts, Alves played with immutable passion. He was a fiery, combative competitor who never backed down from challenges. Alves also brought an infectious joy to the game with his smile.
In many ways, Alves fulfilled the archetype of the stereotypical Brazilian player. He attacked with abandon, played with a smile, and brought fans to their feet with moments of magic. His legacy is still visible today, with fullbacks like Trent Alexander-Arnold emulating the Alves model of extreme attacking license.
At club level, Alves will be remembered as a central pillar of Barcelona’s greatest era. His trophies and assists speak for themselves. For Brazil, he solidified his legend as well over 100 caps and a decade representing the Selecao.
In total, Alves won 43 club titles – a haul only surpassed by former teammate Lionel Messi. He will go down as arguably the greatest right back in football history for his technical skills, athleticism, and trophy-laden career across three continents.
Legal Troubles and a Spectacular Fall From Grace
In January 2023, Dani Alves was jailed without bail after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022. It was a shocking development that represented a precipitous downfall for the former superstar player.
Alves was in Barcelona over the holidays after representing Brazil at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. On December 31, he went to the Sutton nightclub along with friends and acquaintances. At some point during the night, Alves allegedly forced a 23-year old woman into a bathroom stall and proceeded to rape her.
The woman immediately told her friends and club security about the attack. She then went to a hospital nearby where a medical examination was performed. Bruising was confirmed around her genitalia and other parts of her body.
Police began investigating based on the woman’s testimony and rape kit evidence. Alves was questioned by authorities in January and claimed no sexual contact took place between him and the woman. But police tracked down video showing Alves entering the bathroom area with the woman.
On January 20, Alves was arrested by Catalan police and taken into custody without bail. Prosecutors charged him with the aggravated sexual assault of the woman based on overwhelming evidence. Alves was indefinitely suspended by his then club Pumas UNAM in Mexico.
Alves continued to deny the allegations through his lawyer. But in late January, he changed his story in an interview with Spanish television. Alves now admitted to sexual contact with the woman, but claimed it was consensual. He said she became angry after he refused to pay her following the encounter.
Prosecutors dismissed this version of events as a desperate lie without merit. Text messages from Alves pressuring his accuser after the incident also emerged. With DNA evidence and camera footage corroborating the woman’s consistent account, Alves’ credibility was nil.
On February 21, Alves was found guilty of rape and sentenced to four and a half years in prison. The court ruled there was overwhelming evidence Alves used violence and intimidation to sexually assault the woman against her will. In addition to his prison term, Alves was ordered to pay his victim €150,000 in damages.
Alves’ fall from being one of football’s most popular stars to a reviled, disgraced figure was extraordinarily abrupt. The allegations against him were severe, and Alves severely damaged his standing further by changing his story while dismissing the woman as dishonest.
For years, Alves cultivated an image as a happy-go-lucky character on the pitch and larger-than-life personality off it. He now faces spending his 40s in prison and will likely never play professional football again. Alves serves as the latest disturbing example of how athletes and celebrities can hide sinister acts behind charming public profiles.
The gravity of the crimes committed has all but erased Alves’ previous iconic status in the game. It is a tragic end for someone who achieved so much success across his career. But justice has been rightly served, with Alves paying a heavy price for his deplorable actions against an innocent woman.
There are lessons to be learned by Alves’ downfall. Athletes cannot be blindly idolized just for their talents and must be held accountable as people. And women who are victims of sexual crimes deserve support, not skepticism, as so often still happens.
Alves has only himself to blame for ruining his own reputation and freedom. The fame and adulation from