Dani Alves, a right-back best known for his time with FC Barcelona and a longtime member of the Brazil national team, could potentially face a lengthy prison sentence due to allegations of sexual assault.
The Barcelona Prosecutors' Office requests a nine-year prison term for the renowned defender, who is tied with former Barcelona teammate and Argentine legend Lionel Messi as the most decorated individual in football history with 43 major trophies won.
In addition to the requested nine-year imprisonment, the Prosecutors' Office is seeking a compensation of $163,500 for the alleged victim. They also propose a restriction barring Alves from within one kilometer of the woman.
Here is everything you need to know about Dani Alves' sexual assault case.
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When did Dani Alves's assault happen?
The charges against Alves relate to an alleged incident of sexual assault that took place at a Barcelona nightclub on December 30-31, 2022. The victim filed a complaint a few days later, on January 2, 2023.
The 40-year-old was subsequently arrested by Catalan police without bail at the Mossos d'Esquadra de Les Corts police station in Barcelona on January 20, and he has been in custody since.
The complainant claimed to law enforcement and in court that after being introduced to the footballer by a waiter in the nightclub's VIP area, Alves performed non-consensual touching and a subsequent assault in the bathroom.
Alves previously informed the judge that he did not engage in a sexual encounter with his accuser.
However, he admitted that he initially provided false information about the incident to preserve his marriage.
Ultimately, the Brazilian testified that he had engaged in consensual sexual intercourse with the woman during the incident. Following his arrest on sexual assault charges, Alves' wife, Joana Sanz, decided to separate from him in March 2023.
Alves' requests for bail have been rejected due to concerns about him potentially fleeing. Despite offering to surrender his passports and wear a tracking device, his plea has not been accepted.
Where is Dani Alves playing?
Regarded as one of the best right-backs of all time, Alves had recently participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with the Brazil national team, and he was the oldest player to ever feature for the Selecao in the prestigious event shortly before the assault incident took place.
He has represented his country since 2006, amassing 126 appearances and scoring eight goals.
At the time of Alves' arrest, he was playing for the Liga MX side Club Universidad Nacional, A.C. (UNAM), and the Mexican club released the player shortly after news of his arrest emerged.
Aside from his much-known first stint with Barcelona from 2008 to 2016, Alves also previously played for European teams Sevilla, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain. He returned for a short second stint with the Spanish club in 2021-22.
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