BREAKING NEWS: Confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, In a shocking verdict, Barcelona legend Dani Alves has been sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for sexual assault. The 38-year-old former right-back was found guilty of raping a woman at a nightclub in Spain in 2017. This verdict has sent shockwaves through the world of football, as Alves is one of the most decorated and respected players of his generation. His legal team has said they will appeal the verdict, but for now, Alves’ career and reputation are in jeopardy. Dani Alves Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison – Barcelona Legend’s ‘Shocking’ Verdict.

On Thursday, February 22, Catalonia’s highest court pronounced Dani Alves guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at a nightclub in Barcelona in February 2022. The former Barcelona star was initially arrested in January 2023 following accusations of committing the alleged offense in the nightclub’s restroom.

Alves remained in preventive pre-trial detention in Spain as his bail applications were repeatedly denied by a judge who deemed him a flight risk. The case unfolded over three days in a Barcelona court this month, during which Alves changed his version of events multiple times.

Initially denying knowledge of the victim, Alves altered his stance after being confronted with biological evidence, claiming that the woman had performed oral sex on him with consent. Subsequently, he admitted to having consensual sex with her after further evidence surfaced. Despite these claims, Alves maintained his innocence, stating during the trial that he was not the type of person to commit sexual assault and that both parties were enjoying themselves.

Contrary to Alves’ assertions, the victim’s account detailed a scenario where the former footballer prevented her from leaving the bathroom, slapped her, and proceeded to rape her. Despite Alves’ defense, the court ultimately found him guilty and sentenced him to four and a half years in prison.

Dani Alves is most renowned for his illustrious tenure at Barcelona, where he amassed 408 appearances across various competitions. During his time at Camp Nou, he secured an impressive array of titles, including six La Liga championships and three UEFA Champions League triumphs.