Former Barcelona star Dani Alves finds himself in a legal quandary as he steps into court, confronting a potential 12-year prison sentence on charges of rape. The 40-year-old Brazilian, a football icon known for his spells with Barcelona, Seville, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and Sao Paulo, has been held on remand for over a year, emphasizing the gravity of the legal battle ahead. The trial, set to unfold at Barcelona’s Audiencia Provincial Court over three days, will see Alves addressing allegations of non-consensual acts in a Barcelona nightclub on December 30, 2022.

State prosecutors are pushing for a nine-year jail term, arguing that the encounters were not consensual. In the complex legal proceedings, Alves, who admitted to consensual relations, faces the challenge of persuading the court of his innocence. The judges, sitting without a jury, will deliberate on the evidence presented over the course of the trial, with a verdict expected within two weeks.

Adding a layer of complexity to the case is the involvement of Alves' wife, Joana Sanz, who is slated to testify on his behalf. Alves publicly apologized to Sanz for “cheating” on her, providing a personal dimension to the legal proceedings. The trial marks a critical juncture in Alves' post-football life, overshadowing his achievements on the pitch and placing him under the scrutiny of the legal system.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Los Angeles Golf Club owners Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams cheer for their team against the New York Golf Club during the TGL semifinal match at SoFi Center on March 17, 2025, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Alexis Ohanian follows wife Serena Williams into women’s sports ownership with bold move
Angel City FC defender Savy King passes the ball during the second half of a soccer game against the Utah Royals at BMO Stadium.
NWSLPA slams NWSL standards after Savy King’s in-game collapse
US Women’s National Team forward Alex Morgan (13) celebrates the teams win after the game against the Korea Republic at Allianz Field.
USWNT legend Alex Morgan becomes NWSL’s latest investor

The case took an unexpected turn when Alves' mother, Lucia Alves, shared details about the accuser on social media, leading to potential legal repercussions. Despite becoming the oldest player to represent Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar in December 2022, Alves faces an arduous legal battle that could redefine his legacy off the field.

As the trial unfolds, the football world watches attentively, awaiting the court's decision and its potential impact on Dani Alves' life beyond the pitch. The legal proceedings not only threaten his freedom but cast a shadow over the illustrious career of one of the greatest full-backs in the history of football.