Former Barcelona defender Dani Alves has won his appeal against a sexual assault conviction, with a Spanish court overturning the ruling on Friday, March 28. Alves had been found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022 and was sentenced to four and a half years in prison. However, the court’s latest decision, made in March 2024, declared that there was insufficient evidence to support the conviction, upholding Alves’ presumption of innocence.
During the three-day trial, Alves had denied any wrongdoing. The court’s verdict on Friday cleared him of the charges, and his lawyer, Irene Guardiola, expressed relief and joy at the decision. "We are happy, he is innocent, justice has acted," said Guardiola. "It has been very emotional; justice has been done. We expected this; it's fair."
Guardiola further emphasized that the ruling was expected due to Alves’ innocence, stating, "Alves is innocent; it's just been proven, and justice has finally been done. I'm thrilled. I believed it, and we're very happy."
Alves, a highly decorated footballer who won numerous titles with clubs like Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, had been playing for Mexican club Pumas when he was arrested. The club immediately canceled his contract following the charges.
The case had garnered significant attention, as it was one of the first high-profile trials since Spain overhauled its sex crime laws in 2022, making consent a central factor in defining sexual assault. Although the ruling can be appealed, Alves is now free from his travel ban and can leave Spain.
Throughout his career, Alves was a key player for Brazil, helping his country win two Copa América titles and an Olympic gold medal. He also played in his third World Cup in 2022.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)