A Spanish appeals court on Friday overturned the rape conviction of former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves, citing “shortcomings” and “inaccuracies” in his trial.
Alves, 41, had been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison in February 2024 for allegedly raping a young woman in the VIP bathroom of a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022. Following his conviction, he was granted bail pending the outcome of his appeal.
The latest ruling marks a significant legal victory for the ex-football star, who won the UEFA Champions League three times with Barcelona. Details of the court’s decision and the next legal steps remain unclear.
