Brazilian star Dani Alves, widely considered one of the greatest full-backs of all time, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in a Barcelona nightclub. He was sentenced to four years and six months behind bars today, Thursday, February 22nd.
The court also ordered Alves to pay 150,000 euros ($162,700) in damages to the victim.
State prosecutors had originally been looking for a nine-year sentence for Alves, while lawyers for the accuser had been seeking a 12-year sentence. Alves has been in jail since January 20, 2023, with his requests for bail being denied because the court considered him a flight risk.
“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,” a statement by the court press office said.
Alves’ lawyer confirmed to reporters that the Brazilian star is expected to appeal the ruling.
The Brazilian player is one of the most decorated soccer players of his generation. He won League titles in Spain, Italy, and France. He also won three Champions League titles with Barcelona. In total, he won 43 senior titles.
Spain’s vice president, Yolanda Díaz, spoke of Alves’ sentence as a clear example for the country going forward. “This is over in our country, enough of machismo and sexual aggression that we women suffer in all walks of life.”
Tània Verge, the Catalan equality minister, said the trial demonstrated that “regardless of how rich, famous and powerful the perpetrators are, regardless of their attempts to discredit victims, impunity is over.”
Dani Alves will now be under legal supervision for five years on top of the sentence and will have a restraining order banning him from contact with the victim for nine years and six months.