Former Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves has been acquitted of rape charges after Catalonia's High Court of Justice overturned his conviction, citing "inconsistencies and contradictions" in the case. The 41-year-old had initially been sentenced to four and a half years in prison in February 2024 after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in 2022.

Key Points from the Appeal Ruling

• Unanimous Decision: The court ruled that the original conviction was flawed, with gaps in reasoning and insufficient scrutiny of forensic evidence.
• Forensic Evidence: The defense argued that biological and fingerprint evidence supported Alves’ case, while the prosecution's claims lacked alignment.
• Victim's Testimony Questioned: The court deemed the complainant's claim—that she went with Alves into the bathroom due to fear of his friends—as "unreasonable," stating she entered "voluntarily."

Immediate Aftermath

• Release from Restrictions: The Catalan court lifted all judicial restrictions, including travel bans and restraining orders.
• Further Appeals Possible: Prosecutors have the option to appeal to Spain’s Supreme Court.

Reactions

• Alves’ Lawyer: Ines Guardiola stated, "Alves is very happy. He is innocent—justice has spoken."
• Footballing Legacy: The Brazilian right-back enjoyed a storied career at clubs like Barcelona, Sevilla, and PSG, winning three Champions League titles among other honors. He was with Pumas UNAM at the time of his arrest, which led to the Mexican club terminating his contract.

Broader Context

This case highlights the complexities of high-profile legal battles in sports, where forensic and testimonial evidence must withstand rigorous scrutiny. Alves’ acquittal marks a dramatic turn in a saga that briefly derailed his post-playing career.