Dani Alves greeted his overturned conviction with an expression of relief that seemed impossible just a few months ago. After spending 14 months behind bars on charges of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in late 2022, the 41-year-old Brazilian defender walked out of court a free man. His lawyers convinced a Catalonian appeals panel that there was insufficient evidence to challenge his presumption of innocence. Yet, for many supporters of FC Barcelona, the acquittal feels bittersweet.
They once adored him at Camp Nou. He played alongside icons and helped the club lift multiple major trophies. Then came his high-profile arrest early in 2023. Even as he insisted the encounter was consensual, the legal system ran its course. The initial conviction arrived in February 2024, carrying a prison sentence of four years and six months. His release on bail cost him the equivalent of $1.2 million, money that bought his temporary freedom while he pursued an appeal. In March 2024, he walked out of jail with no guarantee he would ever truly reclaim his life.
Despite his ultimate legal victory, Alves returns to a reality where FC Barcelona has stripped him of his legendary status. Club officials had been cautious at first, waiting for the courts to reach a final decision. But as soon as the guilty verdict was handed down, his name was removed from the vaunted list of 102 legendary Blaugrana players. Even now that the appeals court unanimously overturned his conviction, the club’s stance has not shifted. For some, removing him was a harsh move. For others, it was overdue.
A Barca legacy in question
Inés Guardiola, Alves’s defense lawyer, expressed joy outside the courthouse. “Dani Alves is innocent, and that has been proven,” she said. “Justice has spoken.” The court’s ruling described contradictions in the alleged victim’s testimony. Surveillance footage appeared to conflict with her statements, and the judges concluded that the original verdict had relied too heavily on an account they deemed inconsistent.
From a purely athletic perspective, Alves remains one of the most decorated footballers in history. He dominated the right flank at Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain. He also excelled for Brazil, winning two Copa América titles and an Olympic gold medal. But the manner in which Barcelona distanced itself raises questions about his enduring relationship with a club he once called home. A wave of supporters still applauds his legal exoneration. Others say the night in question, even if legally settled, has tarnished his image.
For Alves, the future is uncertain. Spain‘s Supreme Court could still receive an appeal from the prosecution, though it’s unclear if they’ll choose that path. What remains undeniable is that the courtroom battles took their toll. Alves spent over a year with his movements restricted, posted substantial bail in US dollars, and continues to face public scrutiny.
Amid celebration and concern, his story is a reminder of how quickly adoration can vanish when private behavior stands trial. Even a revered champion isn’t immune to public reckoning. Though the courts may have cleared him, his name and reputation at Barcelona will likely bear the mark of this episode for years to come.
