Dani Alves Becomes Evangelical Preacher After Rape Acquittal
Former Brazil international Dani Alves has become an evangelical preacher after being acquitted of rape by a Spanish appeals court.
The former Barcelona defender, who is now 42, spent more than a year in prison before his conviction was overturned. The case brought his football career, sponsorships, and marriage to the brink of collapse. He now says he has found peace through faith, months after winning his appeal.
Alves turns to faith
In a video circulating on social media, Alves is seen addressing an excited congregation at a church in Girona, Catalonia. He spoke about his rebirth and his renewed relationship with God.
“You have to have faith; I’m proof of that,” Alves said, as reported by Ara.cat. “I will serve you, but take care of my house,” he added, describing a pact he made with God. He also spoke about “the power of God” and linked his spiritual experience to the birth of his son. “Love is loving when one doesn’t deserve it,” he continued, before concluding, “In the midst of the storm, a messenger led me to the church.”
From conviction to acquittal
Alves was accused of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on 31 December 2022. He was arrested the following month and held at the Brians II prison near Barcelona.
In February 2024, a court found him guilty and sentenced him to four years and six months in prison, ordering him to pay about €150,000 in compensation. Alves denied the allegation and appealed the verdict.
After spending 14 months in custody, he was released provisionally in March 2024 upon posting €1 million bail, surrendering his passports, and agreeing to weekly check-ins with the court.
On 28 March 2025, a Barcelona appeals court overturned his conviction, citing inconsistencies in the accuser’s testimony and insufficient evidence to uphold the guilty verdict.
However, Spain’s public prosecutors have since appealed that decision to the country’s Supreme Court, arguing that the acquittal was based on an “irrational” interpretation of the evidence.
