In a recent development, former Brazil footballer Dani Alves has been granted release on bail upon appeal after being convicted of sexual assault.
The court in Barcelona, Spain, announced on Wednesday that Alves has been granted bail for €1 million ($1.1 million).
Alves, aged 40, was sentenced to 4½ years in prison last month for sexual assault, however, his lawyer, Inés Guardiola, successfully appealed the ruling, leading to Alves’ release pending a final resolution in the appeal process.
As part of the bail conditions, Alves must surrender his Spanish and Brazilian passports, remain in Spain, and agree to weekly court check-ins. Additionally, he is subject to a restraining order preventing him from going within 1,000 meters of the victim, her home, workplace, or any other location she frequents.
The victim’s lawyer, Ester García, expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, stating, “I am really dissatisfied with this decision. We will file an appeal because we believe it is not in accordance with the law.” García criticized the decision, alleging that it favored the wealthy, highlighting the ease with which Alves was able to secure bail.
During the trial, evidence was presented from multiple sources, including the victim’s friend and cousin, as well as police officers and a forensic psychologist. Alves maintained his innocence throughout the trial but changed his story multiple times, eventually admitting to having sexual relations with the victim but claiming he lied to conceal infidelity with his wife.
The case against Alves gained significant attention as it was the first high-profile sex crime since Spain reformed its legislation in 2022 to make consent central to defining a sex crime. Alves’ conviction came under the legislation, commonly known as the “only yes means yes” law, which defines consent as an explicit expression of a person’s will.
Alves, known for his successful football career spanning over 20 years, has won major titles with clubs including Barcelona, Juventus, and Paris Saint-Germain. He also achieved success with the Brazilian national team, winning Copa América twice and securing an Olympic gold medal.
Following his arrest, Alves’ contract with Mexican club Pumas was terminated immediately.
