Former Barcelona and Brazil footballer Dani Alves refuted allegations of raping a woman in a nightclub during his testimony on the final day of his trial in Spain

The 40-year-old has been held in custody since his arrest in January last year without bail. Alves stated in court that the woman had the option to leave if she chose to and emphasized that he is not a violent individual. 

Prosecutors are pushing for a nine-year prison sentence along with financial compensation. The account may contain distressing content for some readers. Alves’ accuser had previously informed the court that he had coerced her into a VIP nightclub toilet in Barcelona before engaging in sexual activity against her will. In his testimony, Alves mentioned that the woman was free to leave as she had not been forced to stay. He denied ever hitting the woman and stated that she had not expressed any desire to leave during the encounter.

According to prosecutors, Alves and a friend allegedly bought champagne for three women and then led one of them to an unfamiliar area with a toilet where the assault took place. The defense’s experts suggested that the woman’s distress could have been heightened by media attention on the case. 

Witnesses revealed that Alves had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before the incident. His wife noted his intoxicated state upon returning home and a friend of the victim testified that the woman was visibly upset after the encounter. Alves initially denied knowing the accuser but later admitted to consensual sexual activity. If convicted of sexual assault, Alves could face a prison term of four to 15 years. The prosecution seeks a nine-year sentence for Alves and a €150,000 (£128,000) compensation for the woman. A verdict is anticipated in the coming weeks as Alves remains detained due to flight risk concerns. Alves, a highly accomplished footballer, has played for renowned clubs such as Barcelona and Paris St Germain. His contract with Mexican club Pumas UNAM was terminated in January 2023.