Ex-Brazil and Barcelona footballer denies nightclub rape
During the final day of his trial in Spain, Dani Alves, the former Barcelona and Brazil footballer, refuted allegations of raping a woman at a nightclub.
He has been held in custody without bail since his arrest in January last year. Speaking in a Barcelona court, the 40-year-old maintained that the woman could have left if she wished, asserting that he is not predisposed to violence.
Prosecutors are seeking a nine-year prison term along with financial restitution. Alves countered the accusations made by his accuser, who claimed he coerced her into a sexual encounter in a VIP club restroom in Barcelona.
In his testimony lasting approximately 20 minutes, Alves emphasized that the woman had the freedom to depart at any time and that she had not expressed any desire to leave. He also denied any physical aggression towards her.
According to prosecutors, Alves and a friend had purchased champagne for three young women before leading one of them to an undisclosed area containing a restroom. Inside, they alleged that Alves became forceful, disregarding the woman’s pleas to cease his advances.
A psychologist who treated the alleged victim testified earlier, asserting that there was no evidence to suggest she fabricated or exaggerated the incident and that she exhibited symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
While defense experts suggested that the woman may have been distressed due to media scrutiny, a friend of Alves informed the court that he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before arriving at the nightclub. Alves’ wife also testified, stating that he returned home visibly intoxicated and disoriented.
A friend of the accuser recounted her emotional state after the alleged incident, describing how she cried uncontrollably and expressed feeling hurt by Alves.
Initially denying any connection with the alleged victim in a television interview, Alves later admitted to engaging in consensual sexual activity with her. In Spain, rape allegations are investigated under the broader classification of sexual assault, carrying potential prison sentences ranging from four to 15 years.
The public prosecutor in this case is seeking a nine-year jail term for Mr Alves, and for him to pay damages of €150,000 (£128,000) to the woman.
A verdict is expected in several weeks.
Mr Alves was formally charged in August and a court later decided there was enough evidence to send him to trial.
Repeated requests for him to be released on bail have been denied because the courts considered the Brazilian national a flight risk.
Mr Alves is one of the most decorated footballers in history and has played for a host of top clubs including Barcelona and Paris St Germain.
He made more than 400 appearances for Barcelona, winning six league titles and three Champions Leagues across two spells, and was also part of Brazil’s 2022 World Cup squad.
His most recent club, Mexican side Pumas UNAM, terminated the Brazilian’s contract with immediate effect in January 2023.
