In a stunning turn of events, former football star Daniel Alves has been declared innocent of rape charges by the Court of Justice of Catalonia, an announcement that sent shockwaves through the media and sparked intense debate across Spain.
On Friday, April 28, 2025, the Spanish Justice system overturned Alves' previous conviction, which had sentenced him to 4 years and 6 months in prison following a high-profile case that captured international attention. The court's unanimous decision came after a thorough review of the evidence and testimonies, which the judges found to be riddled with inconsistencies.
The case against Alves began on December 30, 2022, when a young Spanish woman accused him of raping her in a bathroom of a Barcelona nightclub. The allegation included claims of physical violence, with the woman stating that Alves had forcibly penetrated her despite her protests. Medical examinations corroborated her account, revealing the presence of semen, and witnesses described her emotional state as one of shock after the incident.
Initially, the evidence seemed compelling enough to secure a conviction, leading to Alves being sentenced in 2023 to significant prison time and ordered to pay €150,000 (approximately R$ 804,000) in damages. However, after serving one year in detention, Alves was granted conditional release in March 2024, having paid a hefty bail of €1 million (around R$ 6.5 million).
The recent ruling, however, has dramatically shifted the narrative. According to a detailed report by the judges, there were "serious gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions" in the complainant’s statements. The court noted that the evidence presented did not meet the legal standards necessary to override the presumption of innocence. “From the evidence produced, it cannot be concluded that the standards required by the presumption of innocence were surpassed,” the ruling stated.
This new assessment effectively dismantles the prosecution's case, casting doubt on the reliability of the victim's testimony. While the court did not explicitly confirm whether the alleged assault occurred, it emphasized that the discrepancies were significant enough to undermine the prosecution's claims.
In the aftermath of the ruling, reactions have been mixed. Supporters of Alves celebrated the decision, viewing it as a vindication after a tumultuous period both personally and professionally. Meanwhile, advocates for victims of sexual violence expressed concern about the implications of the ruling, warning that it could discourage future victims from coming forward due to fears of not being believed.
Adding to the complexity of Alves' situation is the fact that he and his wife, Joana Sanz, recently announced they are expecting their third child together. Joana, a 31-year-old model and influencer originally from the Canary Islands, has been a prominent figure throughout the legal battles. She had publicly contemplated divorce in October 2024, stating on social media, "I will ask for a divorce," but later reversed her decision, expressing her love for Alves and her desire to support him during difficult times.
Joana Sanz has made a name for herself in the fashion industry, having worked with notable brands such as Jimmy Choo and graced the covers of magazines like Elle. The couple, who began their relationship in late 2015 and wed in Ibiza in 2017, have lived in various cities, including Paris, Barcelona, and São Paulo, due to Alves' career as a professional athlete.
The couple's journey has been tumultuous, with Joana's public statements reflecting the emotional toll of the allegations against Alves. Despite the ups and downs, the announcement of their pregnancy seems to mark a new chapter for the couple, who are now navigating both personal joy and public scrutiny.
As Alves steps back into the public eye, the discussions surrounding his case and the broader implications for sexual assault allegations continue to dominate conversations in Spain and beyond. The legal system’s handling of such sensitive cases remains under scrutiny, as advocates on both sides of the debate weigh in on the balance between justice for victims and fair treatment for the accused.
The annulment of Daniel Alves' conviction not only changes the trajectory of his life and career but also reignites discussions about the complexities of sexual assault cases, the legal standards required for conviction, and the societal attitudes toward both victims and the accused. As this story unfolds, it will undoubtedly remain a focal point of public interest and debate.
